Fellaini reveals what Jose Mourinho said to players at half time

Posted Sunday, October 07, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Fellaini reveals what Jose Mourinho said to players at half time
Man United news: Fellaini celebrates with the match winner Alexis Sanchez (Image: GETTY)

MAROUANE FELLAINI has revealed exactly what Jose Mourinho said to his players at half time.

Manchester United trailed Newcastle 2-0 within 20 minutes courtesy of goals from Kenedy and Yoshinori Muto.

This forced Jose Mourinho into an early substitute, Eric Bailly made way for Juan Mata.

The Spaniard restored hope for United when he bent a free-kick beyond Martin Dubravka.

Anthony Martial fired the equaliser before another substitute Alexis Sanchez rose highest to head a dramatic late winner.

It was reported that the club would sack Mourinho regardless of the result against Newcastle but it’s hard to see that happening now after showing great determination and spirit to fight back.

Marouane Fellaini came on in place of Scott McTominay at half-time as Mourinho adjusted the system to offer more of an attacking threat.

The Belgian has become the manager’s go-to when United have their backs against the wall and this was further proof why the midfielder can be relied on.

Speaking after the match, Fellaini revealed exactly what Mourinho said to his players during the break.

"The first half was a difficult moment for us, but we were more aggressive in the second half and we played more direct and created more chances,” Fellaini told BT Sport.

"The manager asked us to be men and to not be afraid and just play. That's what we did."

The international break comes at a bad time for the Red Devils, after such a positive reaction they will have been to ensure they have turned the corner.

When club football returns Man United face a difficult trip to Stamford Bridge before hosting Juventus in the Champions League.

Mourinho will want to ensure he restores some dignity when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

He was beaten 4-0 by Antonio Conte’s Chelsea in October 2016.

The win over Newcastle means Mourinho now boasts the best win percentage of any Manchester United manager with 60.3%.