Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho showed passion, not disrespect or frustration, insists Phil Jones
Mourinho was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle
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.Phil Jones views Jose Mourinho's latest outburst as a show of passion rather than an indicator of general frustration at Manchester United.
United manager Mourinho was sent off for a second time this season as his side were held to a 1-1 Premier League draw by West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Portuguese kicked a water bottle in anger after midfielder Paul Pogba was booked for diving.
The result left United with their lowest points return from 13 league games - 20 - since the 1989-90 term. It was also United's fourth straight home league draw, but defender Jones insists the frustration is not getting to the manager.
"No, I think that's just passion," the 24-year-old said. "I like to see that from anyone - players, staff - it's passion for the game and a willingness to win.
"We all want to win just as much as each other. We just need to stick together, keep training well, keep creating chances and we will get the goals."
Mourinho's behaviour has been under scrutiny during United's difficult start to the campaign. He was handed a touchline ban after disputing a decision against Burnley last month and has also been fined for other comments about a referee. Additionally, he was involved in an odd exchange with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte in October.
His latest controversy will be reviewed after the Football Association receives referee Jon Moss' report, and further disciplinary action could follow.
The incident midway through the first half actually occurred during a good spell for United. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 21st-minute header had cancelled out Diafra Sakho's second-minute opener and the hosts were threatening to take charge.
That United did not win was due largely to the brilliance of West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who produced superb saves from Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and twice blocked from Ibrahimovic.
Jones said: "We created the chances but we have been unlucky in front of goal. We probably could have killed the game off before half-time. We created some good chances but unfortunately they didn't go in again.
"We thought we should have won the game. We felt we controlled the game for most of the 90 minutes but we couldn't get that final goal.
"We just need to keep creating the chances and eventually we are going to hit someone like we did against Feyenoord (4-0 in the Europa League) the other night."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments