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Jose Mourinho

MANCHESTER. — Jose Mourinho has told the Sunday Times that Manchester United failed to evolve under his predecessors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, describing their tenures as an “empty period” for the club.

United have struggled to replicate the success that saw them become the major force in the English Premier League under Six Alex Ferguson, who guided the club to the last of their 20 top-flight titles in 2013.

Ferguson’s successor Moyes was sacked after 10 months in charge while early promise under Van Gaal fizzled out, even though he ended his reign by winning the FA Cup.

Mourinho won two trophies in his maiden season at Old Trafford, including the Europa League which ensured United would play in the Champions League this term, but the former Porto, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager believes he inherited a side that were burdened by past successes. — ESPN