Manchester United defender Daley Blind has insisted that Jose Mourinho is more keen on winning than his predecessor Louis van Gaal. The Red Devils have had a poor start to the season based on their standards and the team have looked inconsistent in their performances since the start of the season.

“I am fortunate enough to have worked with a number of big coaches,” he said. “I learn a lot from Mourinho on a daily basis and he is a good guy.

“He is pretty similar to Van Gaal when it comes to their commitment to the team. They used to work together so I reckon that is no coincidence.

“Everybody likes it when your boss shows an interest in you. Mourinho earned himself the nickname ‘The Special One’ because of everything he has achieved. He is an excellent coach who has an eye for details. He is very strong tactically.

“But his philosophy is slightly different to that of Van Gaal. He is very direct — it is all about winning.”