Manchester United take on Arsenal on Saturday’s early kick-off in the English Premier. Although it is an exciting fixture that is expected to entertain the masses, much focus is on one player – Wayne Rooney – rather than the entire team.
The England captain was pictured drunk after crashing a wedding despite having just taken part in the 3-0 win over Scotland. The player then missed the Three Lions next game – a 2-2 draw with Spain – though injury was the reason.
Although Rooney’s actions sparked outrage, with even talks of him being stripped of his captaincy, Jose Mourinho doesn’t blame the Red Devils ace. Instead, the Portuguese tactician is pointing the finger at the FA.
In the Special One’s eyes, the Football Association and Gareth Southgate – whose name he got wrong – should have protected Rooney and made sure he returned to Old Trafford unharmed.
Jose said (as per the Independent): “[If] the player goes to the national team, he belongs to the national team,” Mourinho said. “I learned since I was a kid, if someone [lends] me something, I have to take care even better than if it was mine. [If] your friend lent you a pencil, you have to take care of the pencil better than if it was your pencil, so I think when one day if I become a national team manager, I will try, try.
"I am not saying that I will be successful on that, and I am not being critic with Gary (sic) or anyone. I get the occasion to wish Gary the best of luck, but I think you have to build something to protect what is not yours, what someone [lends you.]”
Mourinho will go head-to-head with Wenger once more, reigniting a rivalry that is known for its war-of-words. Ahead of their meeting, the former Chelsea boss trolled the Frenchman once more by claiming his counterpart hasn’t won the league in 18 years.
“I think we are speaking about six or seven Premier League titles [between us]. I have three, I think. Mr Wenger has three or four - I don’t know. Does that mean we should be respected even in periods where our results are not the best? I think Mr Wenger has that respect from all of you. I don’t think I have especially because my last Premier League title was 18 months ago. It was not 18 years ago.”
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