Despite Manchester United recording their ninth consecutive victory on Tuesday night against Hull City, a feat that the club have not achieved since early 2009, Jose Mourinho was quick to suggest that the Old Trafford crowd will need to play its part during this Sunday’s Premier League meeting with fierce rivals Liverpool.
After the 2-0 win, which leaves United well-placed to reach another Wembley final in their EFL Cup semi-final tie, Mourinho noted the quiet atmosphere and mentioned the impact the crowd could have in Sunday’s game, in quotes carried by BBC Sport:
“It’s a special match for us. If we play enthusiastic football the fans come to the pitch and play with us. When we don’t play with great intensity it is normal that the fans are not so vocal.
“But we have absolutely amazing fans, fans who push us and get behind us. Everybody likes big games – players, managers, fans. Everyone loves big matches so let’s go for that one on Sunday.”
Once again, Mourinho has shown himself to be particularly adept at handling affairs whilst managing United. Last night’s atmosphere was indeed flat, and whilst the Portuguese was obviously careful not to antagonise the home support, he made it clear that he expects a far greater level of noise this weekend. He’ll surely get it, too, given the importance of Liverpool’s visit with United closing in on the top four. A win for Mourinho and his team would be a gigantic step towards establishing a foothold in the league’s top places, with five points currently separating United in sixth and Liverpool in fourth.
