Mourinho stumbles gets support from friend Ranieri

(Reuters) – Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is struggling to beat his critics but has found new coach Fulham in Claudio Ranieri.

The Italian Ranieri will replace his new team as United's guest on Saturday, and he is eager to renew his friendship with the man he followed to coach for Chelsea. in 2004.

Ranieri, who returns to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Leicester City in 2017 after leading the title, said Mourinho was the first to congratulate him on his return.

"He was the first to send me a message to congratulate me on my return," Ranieri told reporters. He's a great friend. He said, "Welcome back and good luck." "

"It was a text message." Sometimes one speaks .He is an amazing man .I knew him for a long time when he came to Chelsea and then to Italy and he was polite.It was a man and a wonderful coach, football is also very important. "

Mourinho put Ranieri's first two names on his clothes after the dismissal of Italy's Leicester coach last season, in reference to his respect for the coach who had led the team nine months later. early in the title.

The Portuguese coach is facing a tough time at Old Trafford with the team in eighth place, at 18 points from the Manchester City leader and eight points from the Golden Square.

Ranieri thinks United is growing but hopes to increase Mourinho's problems.

"I think United is going better, it's going to be tough for us, we have to provide a perfect performance, Manchester United are one of the best teams in the Premier League, and they're doing a good job in the Champions League as well." is a great team.

"You want to get a point, we know it's difficult but not impossible."

Fulham has nine points in 15 games and Ranieri said a series of good results from Old Trafford could tip the season.

"Our business is progressing," he said of the draw against Leicester on Wednesday. Get a better point than nothing. It is not easy when you stay in last position. It's hard to get 100% confidence.

"But if you get a set of positive results, your confidence will increase immediately and I think we can do it quickly."

Ranieri had a triumphant start with Fulham with a 3-2 win against Southampton last month before losing 2-0 at home against Chelsea and then 1-1 with Leicester.

"I think that whoever looks at all three matches will see the team grow a bit each time, we have a lot of work to do but we are on the right track."

United have played in the last three league games with a 2-2 draw at home against Arsenal on Wednesday.