The weather, not transfer targets, attracts Mourinho to Croatia v Ukraine
Is Jose Mourinho already scouting off-season signings? The Manchester United manager has explained his visit to watch Croatia v Ukraine.
Jose Mourinho's presence in the crowd to watch Croatia versus Ukraine sparked speculation he was keeping tabs on potential transfer targets, but the Manchester United manager insists that was not the case.
The Portuguese was a spectator in Zagreb on Friday as Croatia prevailed 1-0 in their World Cup qualifier.
Mourinho's visit prompted some to suggest he had used his break from United's schedule to meet with representatives of Inter attacker Ivan Perisic, who did not feature against Ukraine due to suspension.
But Mourinho insists the reason for his trip was pleasure, rather than business.
"I have no hidden cause, I just came to enjoy my free days and visit some friends like Predrag Mijatovic and Davor Suker," he told HNTV.
"I know everyone believes I came to watch some players, but in today's football you don't have to travel around in order to see some players, I know all of them well.
"I came as a person that wants to relax and enjoy the nice weather, unlike the rain in Manchester..."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023
‘Ruben Amorim could have waited for Real Madrid and had a better chance to be successful – to have joined Manchester United, he must be convinced in his own ability’ Former Old Trafford coach’s verdict on new boss