Exclusive: Youngsters will struggle under Jose Mourinho at Man United, former star claims

JEMAINE JENAS claims Manchester United is not a club for young players now Jose Mourinho is in charge.

By Alex Wood                                 

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese took the reins at Old Trafford this summer after the club parted company with Louis van Gaal.

And the former Chelsea chief seriously splashed the cash - including breaking the transfer record to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus.

But Jenas reckons the Red Devils' big spending is detrimental to young stars waiting in the wings.

"Mourinho is a man who works for the here and now," said Jenas who was speaking behind the scenes at BT Sport Score.

"I don’t think working with the youth at Manchester United and rebuilding the club almost is at the top of the list of his priorities.

"I think a lot of that comes with the pressure of taking that job, though.

Jermaine Jenas speaks out about Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho

"He might have a real deep desire to do that, but when you’re a Man United manager your demand is trophies – bring the best players now, that’s what we want.

"United go and spend £100m on a midfielder [Paul Pogba] when the reality is he’s a good player, but I’m pretty sure there must be a few in their ranks that they can develop.

"They already had Paul – and that would be people’s argument - but as a young player when your clubs spending £100m on one midfield player you’re just like: ‘What am I supposed to do here then?’

 

Paul Pogba was snapped up by Manchester United this summer

"Because the reality is if he’s fit he has to play.

"Almost from a business stand point because you have to justify spending that money."