Jose Mourinho insists he would “never” have sold Danny Welbeck, Angel Di Maria or Javier Hernandez – as his Manchester United predecessor, Louis van Gaal, did.
Since joining United last summer, Mourinho has instilled a feel-good factor at the club, following a dour series of performances under former mentor Van Gaal.
The Dutchman was also criticised for his transfer activity, with high-profile moves such as Di Maria and Radamel Falcao failing under his stewardship, while several brilliant talents were sold on his watch.
Indeed, despite arriving for a then-British record fee after a sensational season for Real Madrid, Di Maria performed poorly for the Red Devils and was sold to Paris Saint-Germain within a year.
Welbeck – a well-liked academy graduate with plenty of potential – was sold to fierce rivals Arsenal, after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sought a recommendation from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Fellow two-time Premier League title winner Hernandez was initially shipped on loan to Madrid, before a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Reflecting on the club’s recent transfer business, Mourinho told the BBC: “Manchester United sold players that I would never sell, and bought players that I would never buy.
“I would never sell Di Maria, Chicharito, Danny Welbeck. Never. No chance.”
Hernandez made just two Premier League appearances under Van Gaal, following a four-goal campaign under David Moyes.
The Mexican superstar has thrived since his switch to Leverkusen, netting a squad-high 27 goals in 50 Bundesliga appearances. This season, his incredible conversion rate of 26.8% dwarfs every current United attacker.
Di Maria was used 27 time in the Premier League, creating more chances (51) than any teammate in 2014/15.
However, the Argentinian playmaker was far below his usual standard, with a series of tame displays. At PSG, he manufactured 98 chances for his new colleagues in Ligue 1 last term, and has already made 55 this.
In fact, Di Maria improved immediately across numerous metrics in 2015/16, including goals (+7), duels won (+4%) and pass accuracy (+3%).
COMMENTS