The Manchester United boss appeared to direct comments towards Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling following their 3-1 win over Swansea.
It seems to happen at least once a season with Jose Mourinho wherever he is managing, but this weekend – surrounding Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Swansea City – he seemed to take aim at Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling.
Mourinho told the BBC at the weekend: “There is a difference between the brave, who want to play at any cost, and the ones for whom a little pain can make a difference.
“If I were to speak with the many great football people of this team, they will say they played many times without being 100 per cent. We have players on the pitch with problems. In every sport, how many times do you play and you’re not 100 per cent?”
The Daily Telegraph reported that the duo are baffled by the comments and the treatment they have received from the United manager.
It is probably harder to see why Smalling has come in for such criticism, with his last appearance coming in the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea. Although there have been a couple of occasions when his defensive mishaps have shed light on some deficiencies, including the opener in that particular game.
Maybe the United boss feels he could have played with his particular foot problem?
His issue with Shaw is probably traced back to the game against Watford where he was singled out for criticism in the lead up to a goal in the 3-1 defeat.
But the question over fitness is probably a difficult one for Shaw to stomach. This is a young player who only suffered a horrific leg-break in the early part of last season, so any ache or pain is probably going to be treated with a little more caution as he naturally trusts his body.
One questions why this had to be so public right now. The timing is weird. It is an international break, and as much football as there is, anything about club football is usually a good column filler.
This is probably one thing that will run for the duration. Instead of the focus of United getting back to winning ways – and the build-up to a huge game against Arsenal after the break – Mourinho is likely to face questions about the two defenders. If Mourinho were to lose his first league game to Arsene Wenger, then there is a chance that ‘unrest’ becomes the theme around the club for a few days, even if they are up against a side right in the title picture.
There is a time and a place to go public with some criticism of players, and Mourinho will have clearly done it for a reason. It does feel a little risky, though.
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