Nani backs Man Utd boss Mourinho; Everton’s Silva responds to interest in “happy” Gomes; English clubs Arsenal, Wolves chase Porto’s Queirós

Former Manchester United winger Nani says José Mourinho is the best coach the club could have to turn around their troublesome season, as the Portuguese boss prepares for what could be a busy and potentially defining Christmas period with the Old Trafford club.

Meanwhile in England, André Gomes has been reflecting on his outstanding start to life at Everton, while his boss Marco Silva already fields questions about the midfielder’s future amid interest from elsewhere. There is also interest across England in Porto youngster Diogo Queirós.

 

Unfair to compare Mourinho's United with Ferguson's - Nani

For United boss Mourinho, this Sunday’s trip to arch rivals Liverpool represents the beginning of a flurry of festive fixtures that may well prove crucial for the Portuguese’s future. Mourinho’s side have massively disappointed this season, with United currently sitting in 6th place in the Premier League, eight points of the top four and a remarkable 16 points away from leaders Liverpool.

Mourinho told his Friday press conference that United are “far away” from being the team he wants them to be, and questions are beginning to be asked in England about how long the former Porto boss can survive such an underwhelming season.

For Nani, who won four league titles and became European and World champion and club level during an 8-year spell with the Red Devils, Mourinho remains the best chance the team have of improving. “Obviously the goal is to be Premier League champions, but the competition is fierce,” Nani told Goal.com.

“Although last year United managed to finish in second place, this year isn't going as expected. I’m sure though that if there is a coach able to turn things around and put the club on the right path it's José.

“Like Sir Alex, he has charisma and a very strong character. Those elements are key for success.”

Nani spent six years under legendary United manager Ferguson, but was reluctant to make comparisons between Mourinho's United and those of his former boss. “I only have an outsider's view on Mourinho's United. It's not fair to compare because we are talking about different moments in the club's history. Jose arrived at Utd after a winless period and already he's won a few titles, including the Europa League.”

Gomes talks life at Everton as interest grows

André Gomes’ start to his Everton career could hardly have been more successful. The Portuguese midfielder is on loan at Goodison Park from Barcelona and, although he had to wait for an injury to subside before making his Toffees debut in October, Gomes has impressed Premier League observers with his performances in Marco Silva’s midfield.

"I feel happy, I feel different,” Gomes told Sky Sports. “It's a mix between freedom and enjoying what I am doing now. It's not a job, it's what I love to do. I have that feeling again.

"I want to keep growing and getting better to produce the best performances I can. I hope to give more to the fans and help my team-mates even more. I am focused training by training, every week, to play the best I can do and help as much as I can.”

Gomes’ performances have already reportedly attracted the attention of other clubs. Bayern Munich have previously been linked with a move for the former Benfica midfielder, and this week Tottenham Hotspur have been mentioned as being keen on bringing Gomes to White Hart Lane next summer.

Everton boss Silva brushed off the speculation during his Friday press conference: “Why would it affect us? I understand maybe some clubs are linked with him, I don’t know really. But nothing changes in our way, what’s in our mind.

“When you have good players in your squad that means other clubs are looking to them as well. For me, it is a normal situation in football. At the right moment we have time to talk about the situation, and let’s see what we can do to keep him or not.”


For his part, Gomes would not be drawn on his future, opting to repeat how happy he is on Merseyside. "I can't say anything about the future. My focus is not that, my focus is to help Everton have the best season possible. I know it's difficult but I am really enjoying playing at Everton and I am loving being here.

"Everybody is helping me to get better, so I think I should leave that for the clubs to decide and then I will make a decision. The truth is I am really happy at Everton and I'm enjoying myself. Let's see what the club will decide."

Guardiola praises Silva, Fonseca

Gomes was in the Everton line-up as Silva’s side lost 3-1 to Manchester City in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, and before the game the former Sporting boss was one of two Portuguese coaches who drew praise from City manager Pep Guardiola.

“Everton have completely changed their team,” Guardiola said. “Richarlison did so well with Watford and Marco is very smart and brought him to Everton. He’s a top player who is very fast and goes right and left that’s why they paid so much for him. It’s a top side and I’m really impressed with how they’re doing.”

It is not the first time Guardiola has expressed admiration for the work Silva has done with Premier League teams, having spoken about Silva's Hull City in 2017. “I know him from when he was in Greece with Olympiakos in the Champions League and I was at Bayern Munich. He is doing an outstanding job. They play offensive and not just with long balls. They play with a lot of quality.”

Silva is not the only Portuguese manager to earn Guardiola’s respect recently. City have played Paulo Fonseca’s Shakhtar Donetsk in each of the last two seasons in the Champions League, and although comfortable winners in the clashes this campaign, the former Barcelona coach clearly appreciates the way Fonseca sets his team up.

“They are one of the teams who play the best football in Europe,” Guardiola said. “That’s helped by the Brazilian touch with players such as Taison and Marlos. They have very good players.” Guardiola has previously encouraged the idea of Fonseca taking a job in the Premier League.

English clubs queuing for Queirós

FC Porto full-back Diogo Queirós may be yet to make his debut for the first team at the Dragão, but the 19-year-old could soon follow Diogo Dalot’s lead and depart the club for England amid growing interest from Premier League clubs.

Queirós, who was named in the European Championships Under-19 Team of the Tournament in 2017, is believed to be a firm target for Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo, while Liverpool have also been linked with the youngster.

This week Arsenal have reportedly joined the race, seeking competition in the right-back berth for Hector Bellerin. Queirós has a contract with Porto until 2022, with a reported valuation of over €10m. Although a substantial fee for such an inexperienced player, it is unlikely to put off the deep pockets of English clubs.

 

By Sean Gillen