I have worked harder than ever: Mourinho
May 12, 2017 - 5:21 PM Jose Mourinho says he has worked "harder than ever" during his first season at Manchester United.The Portuguese has ruffled feathers during a campaign in which impressive cup runs have been set against Premier League struggles.
An unfortunate knack for drawing games they have dominated has left United sixth and four points off a Champions League berth, with 12 stalemates in the 25-game unbeaten run which ended at Arsenal last weekend.
It means their best hope of a return to Europe's top competition will be to win the Europa League final against Ajax on May 24.
Mourinho accepts it could well be seen as a season-defining match, but believes the groundwork put in during this taxing first season means the campaign has been a success already.
"We work very hard. I have probably worked, this season, harder than ever," he said.
"We won a League Cup. We won a Community Shield. Until we could, until the injuries arrived, we fought for the Premier League top four. We had a fantastic record of 25 matches.
"We have good things but, if I was on your side and you are always looking for these kind of capital letters, big headlines, I accept if you say that."
United cannot finish below sixth this season, no matter what happens in their remaining three fixtures.
Trips to Tottenham and Southampton are followed a visit by Crystal Palace's just three days before the Europa League final.
Mourinho has warned changes will be afoot regardless of Palace's situation by then and suggests rotation is also on the cards at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
"I have to give some minutes to everyone because we have only 15 players, we don't have more, so I have to play them," he said.
"In the Premier League, we can only finish fifth or sixth, I think. I don't think we can finish seventh or we can finish fourth, so fifth or sixth.
"We can win a trophy and by winning that trophy we can play Champions League next season, so that's the game."
Source: AAP
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