Jose Proud Of Youth Record

Jose Mourinho emphasised his record in promoting academy graduates as he held his first press conference as manager of Manchester United, where homegrown talent is a hallmark.

Some observers in the media have suggested Mourinho much prefers to buy big-name players instead of utilising youth-team talent. But the new boss fervently refuted that during his unveiling press conference and offered to name the 49 young players who have emerged into senior football under his leadership.

"I knew the question was coming," said Jose. "Do you know how many young players I have promoted to the first team from academies? I have promoted 49 players from the academies to the squad.

"Sometimes you promote players because you don't have a choice, because there are injuries and you have no choice. The second factor is that when you are not playing for big targets, it is easier to bring the young players up as it is outside the pressure of the big moments.

"My record of injuries is very low. My teams have many times had the lowest injuries according to UEFA studies. So I have never promoted players because of a need, I did it because of conviction."

Expanding on his point, Mourinho also explained that his teams have rarely played in low-pressure matches that could be deemed suitable for promoting untested youth players. "Last season was the only season of my career that I was not fighting for the title, something I have done in every other season," he said.

"There was never a position of stability to promote young players in my career and yet I still did it with 49. Some of them we are speaking about big names - Champions League winners, capped players, players in the Euros.

"Forty-nine is a lot of players which shows that one lie repeated many times can start to look true, but it is always a lie. Many times some of you [journalists] have said this, with intention or without it, but it is is not true."

MOURINHO'S 49 ACADEMY PROMOTIONS

Benfica: Diego Luis, Geraldo Alves

Leiria: Laran Jeiro, Joao Paulo

Porto: Carlos Alberton, Bruno Morais, Pedro Oliveira, Reinaldo, Joca, Hugo Luz

Chelsea (first spell): Hutchinson, Smith, Woods, Grant, Sahar, Watt, Pidgeley

Inter Milan: Santon, Stevanovic, Balotelli, Caldirola, Donati, Rene Khrin

Real Madrid: Morata, Casemiro, Nacho, Jese, Joselu, Tomas Mejias, Omar Mascarel, Fabinho, Pedro Mendes, Jose Rodriguez, Cherishev, Sarabia, Juan Carlos, Diego Lorente, Alex Fernandez, Mateos, Jesus, Adan, Fernando Pacheco Flores, Jorge Casado

Chelsea (second spell): Baker, Salanke, Swift, Loftus-Cheek, Cristensen, Traore.