Ashley Young reveals behind the scenes problem Manchester United had with José Mourinho

Whilst on Sky Sports Monday Night Football as a pundit for Manchester United’s embarrassing outing against Crystal Palace, Ashley Young shed some light on his time at the club under José Mourinho.

Crystal Palace completed a historic league double over Manchester United Monday evening, humiliating Erik ten Hag’s makeshift side, which saw Jonny Evans and Casemiro at centre-back, resulting in the 13th loss this season.

Already under pressure in his managerial position with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS being big admirers of Thomas Tuchel and other candidates, many have called for Ten Hag to be dismissed and an interim manager to be employed for the last four games with former United boss José Mourinho being beckoned to return.

Read More: Sir Alex Ferguson’s coach SLAMS Erik ten Hag for “no playing style” at Man United

Reports state that the Portuguese manager would love to be in charge of the Red Devils again. However, the club does not want to rehire the man they sacked in December 2018.

Ashley Young, 38, spent two years playing under the “special one” at Old Trafford and won the Carabao Cup and Europa League during this time.

Appearing on Sky Sports’ coverage of United’s away trip to Selhurst Park, the current Everton fullback spoke about his eagerness to work with Mourinho when it was announced that he was going to be the man in charge of The Reds, saying:

“I think everyone was really excited about Jose coming in,” Young said. “When you see what he did in his career, you thought this is an appointment that could have happened years prior to when it did. I say a little disappointing as to what was to come.”

Although the club won silverware during his tenure, Mourinho’s reputation as a serial winner proceeded, and his overtly defensive tactics were a clash of culture against the attacking ethos of United, something that was noted by Young.

“You knew Jose from the Chelsea days, and then he went to Real, and then he’s come back, and you see the style of football that’s being played. I don’t think it was a style of football that suited the Manchester United way.”

When asked if the players chatted among themselves about Mourinho’s tactics, Young said: “Yeah, of course, players always talk, and even then, us as players, we could have taken it on a bit more.

“I think there was too much surrounding the club, and at times, there were players who had been brought under the boss [Ferguson]. It was sink or swim. And it was difficult times where I don’t think players gave as much as they could.”

Unfortunately, players not giving their all for managers has become common at United and the toxic environment of player power in the dressing room is well documented and something that INEOS need to sort out.

History seems to be repeating itself with Ten Hag, as it is being said that several players feel like the Dutchman won’t be in charge next season, and many will be surprised if this isn’t the case.