Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho: '220 million euro for Neymar is not expensive'

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho disputed the notion that Paris St Germain's €220 million acquisition of Neymar from Barcelona was an 'expensive' purchase.

Pointing to his own experience signing Paul Pogba for more than €100 million from Juventus 12 months ago, the Portuguese argued Neymar's rare talent means the fee is worth it.

“When we paid 100 million for Paul [Pogba], I said that that he’s not expensive,” Mourinho told reporters after Juan Mata's late goal had given his side a 2-1 win over Sampdoria in Dublin.

“Players without certain ability who go for that amount of money are expensive, so I think Neymar going for 200 million [pounds] is not expensive due to the quality that he possesses.

“He’s expensive in the fact that players will be going for around 60 to 100 million more often and I think that is the problem in today’s market”

“Neymar is one of the top players in Europe, bringing a huge commercial pull with him, so PSG have thought about this move for sure. The problem is not the player. It’s the consequences of the move.

Rival managers have disagreed with Mourinho on the potential move of the Brazilan, with the likes of Jurgen Klopp questioning the role of Financial Fair play, saying that it should it be able to stop a move like this.

Mourinho was asked about how pre-season overall and how the last pre-season friendly was as a whole.

“Pre-Season was good,” the Portuguese said.

“The organization and corporation we were on top of all the time. “e only came through it with small injuries nothing major everyone is ready for the serious stuff in a week’s time.”

The Red Devils manager was also questioned about Anthony Martial’s future at the club and if he does have a place in his plans for the upcoming season.

“The plan is to have a good squad not to have a good team. We want to have options. We have had big players injured for a long time who will be back come the end of the year.

“We need options depending on the game-plan and the opponent that we will play, and I am looking forward to picking the team for each game this season.

“Pre-season is always a long time, when you train on your own it’s a lot different compared to with the team.

“He’s a very Powerful and Intelligent player and he’s a “genius” in the way he thinks at times. We will try to get him ready sooner rather than later, so it’s good that he got 45 minutes tonight.

Nemanja Matic recently signed from Premier League rivals Chelsea for €40 million and could be a vital player in terms of their of chances of winning the Premier League.

It’s a big season ahead for Mourinho as he looks to go much better than the disappointing 6^th place finish in the league last season.