Mourinho's Transfer Strategy Paid Off

Jose Mourinho believes his transfer strategy has paid off after Manchester United landed four top targets this summer in Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba.

The boss had already made his mind up which positions needed strengthening and presented his ideas to the board with clarity and conviction. Thanks to the club's hard work behind the scenes, the stellar signings have been announced ahead of the start of the Premier League season.

"First of all, I didn't buy these players," stressed Mourinho. "I don't have enough money to pay these amounts! Credit should go to the club and the potential the club has, not just financially, but in what the club means to the world of football, which helps attract players. 

"I think I gave a contribution because I was very objective. I think some managers have doubts and find it difficult to decide. The clubs get the impression that you are not so sure on a signing. I was objective from day one. 

"Of course, I have been in the country for many years  and was able to watch United many times from December, so I had an idea about the squad. When I arrived, I was ready to be objective and could say what I wanted to have and explain the numbers I wanted for each position. That way, if you could not get option one, you go for the second or third.

"Every time, I made a written report to the board, the board could feel consistency in the analysis," he continued. "The targets were there on the table, so, after that, the club's powers did everything. They were very strong, doing everything before the 14th. They could do it by 30 August, but no, they did everything much earlier. I am very happy with the market."