During his tenure at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho opted not to heed Sir Alex Ferguson’s counsel regarding transfers.
Taking the helm at Man United in May 2016, Mourinho’s leadership concluded in December 2018.
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One notable recommendation from Ferguson during Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford was the acquisition of Dele Alli. However, Mourinho, while at the reins of Man United, chose not to pursue Alli.
Despite not acting on Ferguson’s advice at United, Mourinho later became Alli’s manager at Tottenham, where Alli made a remarkable impression from the outset of training.
Highlighted in an episode of Amazon’s documentary series ‘All or Nothing’, Mourinho, at 61, is seen expressing his frustrations to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy about the talented midfielder. Alli is also scheduled to feature on Monday Night Football with Jamie Carragher.
“I told already Dele very directly that he doesn’t train well, he is not a good trainer,” he said.
“I am not saying a disaster, but I am not saying Harry Kane. Harry Kane is a very good trainer.”
Mourinho added: “Sir Alex Ferguson gave me only one bit of advice in two and a half years: Buy Dele Alli. ‘That guy, with that mentality, the way he plays, the aggression he has in mind. This guy is the Manchester United player. Buy Dele Alli’.
“And he [Ferguson] has an eye for a player. But he [Alli] is not a good trainer, we need to find motivation for the guy.”
Dele Alli first caught the spotlight with his performance for MK Dons, particularly during their stunning 4-0 victory against Man United in the EFL Cup in 2014.
After making a name for himself in League One, he secured a move to Spurs, where he initially flourished in the Premier League. However, over time, he found himself less central to the team’s strategy.
At 28, Alli transferred to Everton and subsequently joined Besiktas on loan, aiming to rejuvenate his professional trajectory.
Currently, he remains a part of Everton, and has commendably been open about his experiences with mental health challenges.
