Today was not a good day at the office for José Mourinho.
The Manchester United boss was hoping to build on Thursday’s comprehensive 4-0 victory over Feyenoord with another victory, but West Ham United held firm to hold the Premier League’s sixth-placed team to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Fans and reporters alike were keen to see how the manager would react, not only to the dropped points but also to the sending-off he received for kicking a water bottle in frustration during the first half.
Unfortunately, however, he pulled that age old Football Manager trick and clicked the button marked ‘send assistant’.
Jose has not appeared for the press conference, Rui Faria takes the hot seat. #MUNWHU
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) November 27, 2016
Rui Faria’s response was relatively calm and measured, at least compared to what the sort of comments Mourinho has made in the heat of the moment in the past.
His decision was perhaps for the best, given that Moss also sent the Manchester United boss to the stands last season, back when Mourinho was managing Chelsea at West Ham’s Boleyn Ground.
It isn’t the first time Faria has occupied his compatriot’s seat for a post-match press conference – something which a few people noticed.
https://twitter.com/KCeltics830/status/802948565739966465
I swear this United squad is becoming Rui Faria's w/ how many times Jose Mourinho has been sent off & elected not to talk post game. #MUFC
— Mike (@mike_h1990) November 27, 2016
So, what about his assessment of the sending-off?
https://twitter.com/UtdRantcast/status/802948715279486976
Very diplomatic, Rui.
