Manchester United’s charismatic tactician Jose Mourinho has called on his side to bask in the glory of facing a big club such as Real Madrid, as the Reds are clear underdogs coming into their UEFA Super Cup match in Macedonia.
United booked a ticket to the Super Cup final in Skopje after sensationally winning the Europa League last season, adding a new piece of silverware in their already expansive collection. And while Mourinho believed the Europa League to be a winnable competition, the veteran manager knows facing Real Madrid is a different cup of tea altogether.
Indeed, in the four times the two sides have met in competitive matches, Manchester United have only won once against Los Blancos.
“We are going to try [to win] but the difference between the Champions League winners and Europa League winners is obvious,” Mourinho said in the pre-match press conference.
“My team should play and enjoy this special moment. It’s not many times in a player can play in the Super Cup unless you are Real or Barcelona, winning European trophies regularly,” the United boss further added.
Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata has also downplayed his side’s chances in winning the Super Cup on Wednesday, insisting that winning against a world-class side like Real Madrid is a daunting task.
“When we talk about Real Madrid, we’re talking about the actual Champions League winners, which is the best you can win,” Mata explained.
“Obviously they are the ones everyone wants to beat, they have a great team, they won the league in Spain as well. We know how good they are,” the Spanish international added.
Despite their humble speeches, Manchester United will definitely throw modesty to the curb and put their game on come Wednesday, as they would be eager to show the world that they are back to their glory days.