Manchester United - Mourinho questions players’ commitment after Europa loss

Manchester United - Mourinho questions players’ commitment after Europa loss

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has questioned his players’ commitment and their will to ‘give everything’ following their 2-1 defeat against Fenerbahce in the Europa League. Mourinho said that Wayne Rooney scoring a goal was one of the few good things to happen on the pitch.

"A team that concedes after two minutes is a team that is not ready, not mentally prepared, not focused, not concentrated," a frustrated Mourinho told a post-match press conference.

Fenerbahce, currently Group A toppers in the Europa League, took the lead through Moussa Sow in the 2nd minute and Jermain Lens made it 2-0 in the 59th. Rooney, who received a start in this game, pulled one back for the away side in the 89th, but it was too little, too late.

"They deserved to win, football is not just about quality, it is also about effort, commitment, playing the limits and giving everything. You have to play for 90 minutes in the maximum of your desire and concentration,” Mourinho said.

"In an atmosphere like this, to give the advantage to the opposition, that is where they want to be. They then slowed the play, putting pressure on the referee, simulating and that is our fault."

The defeat, their second of the tournament, leaves United with just six points from their four-match group stage so far, and the Portuguese manager could not list too many positives after the result.

Rooney’s consolation goal, which equaled Ruud van Nistelrooy’s club record of 38 European goals, was one of the few highlights of the match for the Red Devils. Mourinho said, "one of the good things today is that Rooney finally scored a goal."

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