Garth Crooks says Manchester United boss disrespected Middlesbrough counterpart.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho celebrates after Antonio Valencia scores their third goal
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho publicly predicted his side would lose to Middlesbrough on Sunday, but you suspect behind the scenes he was giving his players a very different message.
The Red Devils sealed a 3-1 win at the Riverside, with an emotionally charged Mourinho heading off down the tunnel as United scored the game sealing third goal in stoppage time.
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks hit out at Mourinho’s actions, blasting the Manchester United manager in his team of the week column, in which he selected Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard.
Crooks felt Mourinho was disrespectful towards Middlesbrough boss Steve Agnew.
He said: “To see United boss Jose Mourinho disappear down the tunnel before the final whistle shaking both fists in total delight at the apparent three points was for me utterly shameful.
“What happens to head coach Steve Agnew in future, or Middlesbrough Football Club for that matter is, at this moment, in the balance but Agnew did deserve to receive a handshake from the Manchester United manager at the end of the game as tradition demands.”
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Middlesbrough caretaker manager Steve Agnew
Middlesbrough’s loss put them deeper in the relegation mire, while United finally moved into the top five after being stuck in sixth since October.
There is still plenty of work to be done for the Red Devils to clinch a top four spot, but their win yesterday was a milestone as they climbed above Arsenal.
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