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Mourinho: 'Special One' or 'Snarky One'?

Updated 1225 GMT (2025 HKT) January 10, 2018

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Jose Mourinho was left seething after his Manchester United side was beaten 2-1 by Turkish club Fenerbahce in the Europa League in November 2016. He laid into his players after the game and questioned their commitment.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
Jose Mourinho was left seething after his Manchester United side was beaten 2-1 by Turkish club Fenerbahce in the Europa League in November 2016. He laid into his players after the game and questioned their commitment.
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A miserable Mourinho watched on during United's humiliating English Premier League defeat to his old club Chelsea in October 2016. As the 4-0 thrashing unfolded, the Portuguese stood stony-faced on the touchline with his hands in his pockets.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
A miserable Mourinho watched on during United's humiliating English Premier League defeat to his old club Chelsea in October 2016. As the 4-0 thrashing unfolded, the Portuguese stood stony-faced on the touchline with his hands in his pockets.
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Mourinho spent two spells with Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles, three League Cups and one FA Cup. But he was sacked by the club in December 2015 after a disastrous start to the defense of its crown left it hovering above the relegation zone. Before Sunday's game, he was reunited with John Terry, his former captain at Chelsea.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
Mourinho spent two spells with Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles, three League Cups and one FA Cup. But he was sacked by the club in December 2015 after a disastrous start to the defense of its crown left it hovering above the relegation zone. Before Sunday's game, he was reunited with John Terry, his former captain at Chelsea.
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But the smiles quickly turned to frowns as Chelsea scored within 30 seconds of the kick-off, Pedro rounding goalkeeper David De Gea to hand Antonio Conte's side the perfect start in west London.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
But the smiles quickly turned to frowns as Chelsea scored within 30 seconds of the kick-off, Pedro rounding goalkeeper David De Gea to hand Antonio Conte's side the perfect start in west London.
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Gary Cahill made it 2-0 before Eden Hazard capped his man of the match performance with a fine solo goal. It ensured there was no way back for Mourinho and his side.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
Gary Cahill made it 2-0 before Eden Hazard capped his man of the match performance with a fine solo goal. It ensured there was no way back for Mourinho and his side.
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N'Golo Kante was mobbed after he scored the fourth goal for Chelsea, after which Conte implored its fans to make more noise to drown out the singing of United's traveling supporters.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
N'Golo Kante was mobbed after he scored the fourth goal for Chelsea, after which Conte implored its fans to make more noise to drown out the singing of United's traveling supporters.
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Mourinho appeared to take issue with this, reportedly telling Conte it was humiliating, and that it would have been more appropriate at 1-0 instead of at 4-0. Neither manager would be drawn on what was said afterward but Conte did add: "If you want to cut the emotions, we can stay at home and I will change jobs."
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
Mourinho appeared to take issue with this, reportedly telling Conte it was humiliating, and that it would have been more appropriate at 1-0 instead of at 4-0. Neither manager would be drawn on what was said afterward but Conte did add: "If you want to cut the emotions, we can stay at home and I will change jobs."
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Despite string of high-profile signings over the summer, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, United have struggled and currently sit six points behind leaders Manchester City after just nine games. The pressure is building on Mourinho already.
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
Despite string of high-profile signings over the summer, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, United have struggled and currently sit six points behind leaders Manchester City after just nine games. The pressure is building on Mourinho already.
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After his sacking by Chelsea, and United's poor start, it has led to questions about his method and whether it can still be as effective as it was when he first arrived in the Premier League in 2004. Back then, he famously anointed himself the "Special One."
Photos: Mourinho: Special One or 'Snarky One'?
After his sacking by Chelsea, and United's poor start, it has led to questions about his method and whether it can still be as effective as it was when he first arrived in the Premier League in 2004. Back then, he famously anointed himself the "Special One."
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