'Mourinho is very good when he's fighting!' - Man Utd disputes no surprise to Carvalhal

Jose Mourinho is “very good when he is fighting”, says Carlos Carvalhal, who is not surprised by talk of rifts at Manchester United.

The Red Devils boss has offered outspoken opinions on a number of his players this season, with Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw among those to have seen their value questioned.

This is not the first time that Mourinho has delivered public criticism of star turns, with the experienced coach never shy in trying to muster an extra ounce of effort from those at his disposal – using any means necessary.

Carvalhal, who is now manager of Swansea, believes his compatriot will be stronger for creating a siege mentality, with his past achievements suggesting that he is at his most dangerous when presented with a challenge.

The Swans boss said: “I like Mourinho and he knows that I like him.

“I studied him. I spent a week at Manchester United when Alex Ferguson was there, then a week watching Mourinho at Chelsea. I also went to Real Madrid.

“I tried to learn with the best. He has a big self-confidence, like I do. You need that.

“But he is a completely ­different personality to me. He likes confrontation. He likes to fight with people. And he’s very good when he is fighting.

“I am completely different. I like to keep far away from the fight. I like to win, but, if ­someone tries to fight with me, they will find they are fighting with themselves.”

Mourinho’s next outing on the touchline is set to pitch him into battle with Carvalhal.

United return to action after the international break with a home date against Swansea on April 31.