He wanted them to improve two things and how he went about telling them wasn't pretty.
Following United's away win against Crystal Palace yesterday, Jose Mourinho explained what it was that inspired the comeback.
Andros Townsend gave the hosts a 1-0 lead against the Portuguese's team in the first half, leaving them facing defeat come half-time. It only got worse immediately after the break when Patrick van Aanholt made it 2-0, 48 minutes in.
However, what then followed was a devastating comeback, with Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku bringing United level with 14 minutes left to play. Only for Nemanja Matic to score a winner in stoppage time.
But what was it that inspired the classic 'Fergie time' win from the team? Well, Mourinho admitted after the match that his approach was more stick than carrot during the break.
"I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be lots of bleeping on television,’ the Portuguese
told the Metro.
"There were a few strong words at half-time relating to their attitude and the intensity of the game.
"To come back from 2-0 down away from home against a team that is desperate for points, it gives us a great feeling."
