"A United manager needs more class" - Patrice Evra claims Manchester United legend didn't want Jose Mourinho appointed in 2016

Patrice Evra says Sir Bobby Charlton opposed Jose Mourinho's appointment as Manchester United manager eight years ago. The iconic Portuguese coach succeeded Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford in July 2016.

Jose Mourinho has won trophies throughout his managerial career, including at United. He led the Red Devils to the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa League before he was sacked in December 2018.

There were many at Old Trafford firmly backing Mourinho to take over, including Sir Alex Ferguson. The iconic Scot, who guided the Reds to 13 Premier League titles, butted heads with the former Chelsea coach while manager.

According to Manchester United's former left-back Evra, the late great Charlton wasn't one of Mourinho's supporters. He told former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on the Obi One podcast:

"Ferguson wanted him. The person who didn't want Mourinho to come was Bobby Charlton. Because of when Mourinho was Real Madrid manager and fighting on the touchline, creating chaos, a United manager should have more class," Evra said

Jose Mourinho was known for fiery bust-ups at Real Madrid, especially in El Clasico meetings with Barcelona. He also riled Blaugrana fans when celebrating 10-man Inter Milan's 3-2 aggregate triumph over the Catalans to reach the 2009/10 Champions League final.

Charlton's stance fell on deaf ears, and Mourinho took the reigns at United. It was initially an astute appointment but eventually resulted in a tumultuous stint.

The Portuguese tactician had strained relationships with players and felt he wasn't backed in the transfer market. He left with a record of 84 wins and 29 defeats in 144 games.

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Jose Mourinho is feeling the heat at Fenerbahce ahead of Manchester United's visit

Jose Mourinho watches Fenerbahce take on FC Twente (Image - Getty)

Mourinho's Fenerbahce will clash with Manchester United on Thursday (October 24) in the UEFA Europa League. Both European giants have made concerning starts to their respective seasons.

The Turkish heavyweights sit fourth in the Super Lig, with five wins and one defeat in eight games. They are eight points off leaders Galatasaray but have a game in hand.

Unlike Erik ten Hag with United this season, Mourinho has led Fenerbahce to a win in the Europa League. Yet, the former Red Devils coach has failed to win over fans and pundits in Turkiye.

On Sunday, a calamitous 2-2 draw against Samsunspor in the league fuelled criticism of Mourinho's tenure. Turkish football legend Volkan Demirel told Fanatik:

"Right now, this Fenerbahce team is mixed with unhappiness and hopelessness. We were all expecting something. We were expecting it from Mourinho, we were expecting it from the transfers that were made," Demirel said.

Mourinho took over Fenerbahce in the summer, his third club after leaving Manchester United. He's had spells at Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma, steering the latter to UEFA Europa Conference League glory.