He can be nice, sometimes
Over the years, José Mourinho has developed a reputation as a grumpy, cynical, sometimes heartless man. And many criticisms are valid, but there is a warm, generous side to the Manchester United manager, even if we don’t see it very often.
Mourinho recently showed that more generous side to his character at an U23s game between United and Stoke City at Old Trafford.
In an almost empty stadium, only the most dedicated of fans were in attendance, one of whom was Alex Neild, a disabled fan who travels to home and away matches with his father.
Alex’s father spotted José Mourinho not far from them in the main stand. He managed to get his attention and Mourinho wandered over for a chat. He spoke with both Alex and his dad, signed the kid’s shirt and posed for photos with him before more fans came over for a picture.
The visible joy on Alex’s face after meeting the United boss was heartwarming.
It’s very easy for high profile managers to keep their head down and not engage with fans but seeing Mourinho, of all people, taking the time to make this fan’s day is uplifting and a nice reminder that he’s not the evil villain he is often painted out to be.
Mourinho is not exactly the most popular man at Old Trafford at the moment either, after United’s back to back losses against Brighton and Tottenham.
Fair play, José.
