Jose Mourinho’s quota for displays of class this season appears to have been filled.
The Manchester United manager won his first piece of silverware at Old Trafford with Sunday’s 2-1 over Leicester City in the Community Shield.
However, following the game at Wembley, Mourinho opted to dedicate the accolade to his predecessor and former colleague Louis van Gaal.
United took part in the showpiece game, traditionally regarded as the curtain-raiser of the English top flight division, thanks to their victory in the FA Cup last season.
The game would prove to be Van Gaal’s last in-charge of the club, but Mourinho paid tribute to his predecessor.
“I would like to dedicate this victory to Louis van Gaal,” Mourinho said after the match.
“I don’t mind him having one more trophy, and I remember when I have left clubs who have gone on to win things they don’t always recognise who helped them get there.”
That last comment could be reference to Rafa Benitez, who won the World Club Cup with Inter Milan in 2010, following Mourinho’s departure to Real Madrid.
Inter took part in the tournament thanks to their victory in the 2010 Champions League final, masterminded by Mourinho. It would prove to Benitez’s only trophy at the Italian side during his brief spell as manager.
It could also be a comment about Real Madrid, who went on to the win the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti in 2014, the year after Mourinho left the club.
Mourinho also dedicated Sunday’s victory to the United players who weren’t included in the squad.
“In addition I dedicate it to the Manchester United players who were not involved in the game. It was difficult to leave out good players like Memphis Depay, Phil Jones and Ashley Young, but I had to make choices. We are a team and they understand that.”
