Mourinho comes out fighting, vows to knockout current Man United crisis

Muhammad Ali (right) and Jose Mourinho [Courtesy]

Jose Mourinho says he is still “one of the greatest managers in the world” as he faced up to the crisis that has engulfed him at Manchester United.

Mourinho, who has lost successive Premier League games with United, mounted another fierce defence of his managerial record ahead of Sunday's must-win trip to Burnley.

The United boss demanded “respect” in his emotive post-match press conference following Monday's 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham.

And ahead of Sunday's game at Turf Moor, Mourinho was at it again, talking himself up and hailing last season's second-place finish as one of his greatest achievements.

The United boss demanded “respect” in his emotive post-match press conference [Courtesy]

“I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world, but I am also one of the greatest managers in the world,” said Mourinho.

“I had last season great success. I had great success last season, that's what you probably don't want to admit.

“I analyse my performance myself, and for me, it's more important what I think than what you think.

“I repeat that two seasons ago we had a fantastic season by winning the Europa League,

“Everybody thought Atletico Madrid were amazing because they won the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League.

“We won the Europa League because that was our level. We are the last team in England to win a European trophy.

“And, I repeat, I won eight titles. I am the only manager in the world that won in Italy, Spain and England, and by winning eight titles, not small titles or countries.

“My second position last season is one of my greatest achievements in football. I think.”

“I analyse my performance myself, and for me, it's more important what I think than what you think" - Mourinho [Courtesy]

Asked if he could still consider himself one of the greatest managers in the world if he does not win the title with United, Mourinho quoted the German philosopher Hegel.

“Did you read any philosopher or in your formation you never spent time reading Hegel,” said Mourinho.

“Just as an example, Hegel says the truth is in the whole, is always in the whole.

“Did you ask that question to the manager that finished third in the Premier League or fourth [Jurgen Klopp]? Because he never won anything in international, for example.

Mourinho also taunted Tottenham for fans for chanting “you're not special anymore” at him during Monday's galling defeat.

“Yeah, but they didn't have that song when we beat them at Wembley a couple of months ago,” said Mourinho.

“That was a cup final they had a big dream to go. They also had a title they had a big dream to win, because they didn't win many, and of course, they were not singing that.”