Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho to help new England manager Sam Allardyce 'in the best way'
Mourinho and Allardyce clashed last season but the Manchester United manager has said he is happy to work with Allardyce as the national team manager
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho has backed Sam Allardyce’s imminent appointment as England manager, but warned that the country must support the 61-year-old if he is to end the 50-year wait for international success.
Sunderland manager Allardyce is set to be ratified as Roy Hodgson’s successor at an FA board meeting later today after being interviewed last Tuesday.
The former Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham manager has seen off competition from Jurgen Klinsmann and Steve Bruce to become England boss, but Mourinho, speaking in Shanghai on Manchester United’s two-game tour of China, insists Allardyce needs help to succeed in the job.
“It is your country and I think you have a complicated country for the person who gets the job,” Mourinho said. “But I think he (Allardyce) is the right person for that.
“He is a good choice, but he needs support and you can do better in respect of that.
“Sam never had the big chance at the highest level – some big jobs – but never the big one. Now he has the big one and he is more than ready.”
Allardyce will now be handed the task of ending England’s wait for glory which extends back to the 1966 World Cup.
But after seeing his native Portugal win Euro 2016, Mourinho insists it is now England’s turn to win.
“It is your time,” Mourinho said. “In Portugal we were waiting and waiting and finally we got it.
“1966 was a long time ago, so good luck Big Sam.
“But he is a good motivator, can create a good spirit among his players and I wish the best and, as a friend and United manager, I will try to support in the best way.
“I will prepare his players for him, and always try to have English players ready for him.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments