Manchester United

Jose Mourinho: 'I will change Manchester United mentality'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 06 August 2016

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admits that it will take time for his players to adapt to his style following a two-year spell under Louis van Gaal.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that it will take time to change the team's mentality following Louis van Gaal's two-year spell in charge.

Van Gaal was sacked at the end of last season following a tumultuous campaign that saw his negative style of play called into question on numerous occasions.

Mourinho refused to criticise his predecessor, but revealed that he is looking for his players to adapt to a "different" approach under his tutelage.

"My teams are different to Mr Van Gaal's teams. I want to make it clear that I am not saying my teams are better or have better ideas or my principles of play are better. Not at all. My teams are different to Mr Van Gaal, and it is a difficult situation to change the dynamics," he told reporters.

"It would be easier for me to have 20 new players and start from zero. For two years, they had some principles of play that are not mine - clearly, they are not. But the players are players and, without losing their identity, they always try to adapt to what the manager wants.

"Of course, after two years of work, there are things in their brain that are automatic, and that is difficult to change. But we are working hard and the players are trying everything. Of course, we make mistakes and we are far from perfection, but they are giving everything to adapt, and step by step my team is going to be my team."

Mourinho's side will take on Leicester City in the Community Shield on Sunday before beginning their Premier League campaign away to Bournemouth next weekend.