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09th Aug 2017

Jose Mourinho explains why he gave his Super Cup runners-up medal to a young fan

A lovely gesture from the United boss

Simon Lloyd

Manchester United’s first competitive game of the season ended in defeat in Skopje on Tuesday night.

Facing Champions League winners, Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho’s side were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline in the European Super Cup final.

A first half goal from Casemiro – which looked to have been marginally offside – put Real ahead, with Isco doubling the lead shortly after half-time. Romelu Lukaku halved the deficit in with 30 minutes remaining, but United failed to find an equaliser.

After the game, cameras picked the United boss handing his runners-up medal to a child in the crowd.

Speaking at his post game press conference, the United boss was asked about the gesture.

“Sometimes when I win I don’t keep the medal, so imagine when I lose,” he explained.

“For me the medal would go to some place in my house, and for that kid it’s for sure something he will keep and to remember.

“It was a little kid with a Man United shirt. I have no idea where he comes from.

“I think for the kid, it’s something he will never forget.

For me, medals – I repeat – when I win they don’t mean much. Imagine when I lose.”

United left Macedonia after the game, and have now arrived back in Manchester. They begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday afternoon when West Ham visit Old Trafford.