Mourinho: We have to focus

Jose Mourinho has stressed that his team have to look forward and redouble their focus as they look to counter the disappointment of last weekend’s 3-2 reverse at Brighton.

The Reds take on Tottenham Hotspur in the club's third Premier League game of the season on Monday evening, with three points crucial as United look to maintain the pace set by the six teams that have won both of their opening fixtures.

However, Mourinho is encouraged by his players’ efforts in training this week, and believes the painful result on the south coast could, and should, inspire their efforts against Mauricio Pochettino’s men at Old Trafford.

“Nobody has been happy, obviously,” admitted the boss. “They have enough experience to know that, in football, you cannot look back on good or bad results – you always have to look to the next one. That’s our life. I’m really happy with the work we’ve done in the week and the players’ commitment, and I look forward to the [Tottenham] game.

“It’s always difficult after a match you lose. Especially for people who really care about the job and being football professionals.

“But after that, you think about the next match – you do the same when you win. When you win, you have to move on and you have to focus on what’s next. Imagine when you lose? You have to do even more.”

United have an excellent record at home to the Lilywhites during recent years – winning each of the last four contests between the sides in M16 – but the Portuguese believes there is never a good or bad time to face any Premier League opposition, whether it’s an elite side like Spurs or an underdog such as Brighton.

“You have to play against 19 opponents at Old Trafford and 19 opponents away. You have to play against everyone. I don’t know when is the right time. The time is now, the fixtures were decided this way and we have to play Tottenham Hotspur in the second match at Old Trafford before we go away twice in a row against Burnley and Watford. This is what it is and, of course, it’s a difficult match against a team that last season finished in the top four, so [it’s a] difficult match.”

United could be blessed with the return of Nemanja Matic, Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Valencia for Monday’s match. Mourinho confirmed the trio, along with new boy Diogo Dalot, are all training with the first-team squad after injury but, whoever takes to the field, Mourinho was clear about what he wants to see from the side.

“It’s to play well and win and not make mistakes,” said the boss. “Play well and win - that’s what we want.”