Jose Mourinho speaks up on Manchester United's move for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale
Skopje: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho poured cold water over Manchester United's move for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale by saying it was "game over" as far as that move was concerned.
Mourinho had mischievously suggested he would interpret Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale as being for sale and would, therefore, make a move for the Welshman if he did not start for Real in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday.
But Bale did start, setting up Isco's goal as well as hitting the bar before being replaced on 74 minutes in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over the Red Devils.
New signing Romelu Lukaku also earned praise from his manager after the £75 million ($97 million) recruit from Everton scored on his competitive debut, but United's attack looked like it could still do with the extra quality a player like Bale would bring.
For all his success in the game, Mourinho has still never won the Super Cup, while Zidane has now won the trophy two years running. have now lifted the Super Cup on four separate occasions but what is really striking is the success enjoyed by Zidane in his time as coach. This was his sixth trophy since being appointed in January last year, just 19 months ago.
"There were big celebrations in the dressing room, we don't get tired of winning," said the Frenchman, whose side will defend the Champions League crown and La Liga this season.
He described his side's performance as "almost perfect" and added: "I don't know if we can play any better, but we will try. We know that we have difficult opponents, with another one coming on Sunday. But our ambition is to keep getting better."
Real face Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup this Sunday and Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to play a key role in that game after making a brief appearance from the bench against United.
The Red Devils begin their campaign at home to West Ham United on Sunday and summer signings Victor Lindelof, Lukaku and Nemanja Matic will all hope to have done enough in Skopje to keep their places.
