Mourinho explains mixed emotions over Schneiderlin exit

Matt Stead

Jose Mourinho said that he was both “happy” and “sad” at hearing the news of Morgan Schneiderlin’s impending departure.

Schneiderlin closed in on a move to Everton on Tuesday night after the Toffees agreed to pay a fee of £22million for the midfielder.

United signed the Frenchman in summer 2015, with Louis van Gaal spending £27million on the Southampton man.

He made 39 appearances for the club last season, but has been on the periphery under Mourinho.

The 27-year-old has started just three games in all competitions – two in the Europa League and one in the EFL Cup – while he has been afforded only 11 minutes in the Premier League.

Speaking after the 2-0 win over Hull in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, Mourinho explained his mixed emotions over the deal.

“I’m sad, I’m happy,” he said. “I’m sad because I like him, I’m sad because he could be an option for us in the long season.

“I’m happy because this is what he wants, he wants to play, he wants to play every game, he wants to be an important player in the team.

“So if this is what he wants, I’m happy for a very good professional.”