Paul Merson argues ‘amazing’ former Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho is not right fit for one Premier League club

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has warned that former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho might not make “any difference” at one Premier League club.

Jose Mourinho enjoyed success in England with Chelsea and lifted three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups across his two spells with the Blues.

The former Chelsea manager later moved to Old Trafford after Louis van Gaal was sacked in 2016 and enjoyed a superb start to life as Manchester United head coach.

Mourinho led the Red Devils to the League Cup and the Europa League in his debut season before securing a second-place Premier League finish in the 2017-18 season.

The 61-year-old Portuguese manager was sacked by United in 2018 and moved to Tottenham in 2019, with Mourinho’s spell at Spurs coming to an end in 2021.

Following his time in England, the ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss went on to manage Roma and took up his most recent role at Fenerbahce in 2024.

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Merson’s clear warning over Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League after Everton sacked Toffees manager Sean Dyche on Thursday.

Everton are 16th in the Premier League table and the Toffees are only one point above the relegation zone after 19 league matches this season.

Sean Dyche, who was appointed Everton manager in 2023, oversaw his last match at the Toffees in the 1-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday.

Paul Merson admitted that he is a big admirer of former Manchester United boss Mourinho, but the Sky Sports pundit doesn’t think he is the right fit for Everton.

“I’m a big fan of Jose Mourinho,” he wrote for Sky Sports.

“He’s been an amazing manager over the years, one of the all-time greats but I don’t see how this Everton job ticks the box.

“Everton are in a massive, massive relegation fight. I think it’s out of them and Ipswich to go down.

“Mourinho needs to be higher up the league than hanging around fifth bottom.

“I just don’t see how Mourinho does as any differently to Sean Dyche. I don’t see any difference in that.

“He’s a massive name in football but I’d be careful with that one.”

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Mourinho open to Premier League return

Fenerbahce are currently second in the Super Lig under Mourinho and the Turkish side are eight points adrift from league leaders Galatasaray.

Mourinho was asked about a potential return to the Premier League earlier this season and the ‘Special One’ opened up about his family life in England.

“I had three clubs in England, so four different periods I’ve coached in England, and I love it,” he told Sky Sports last October.

“By the social point of view, I’ve been lucky enough to live in so many cities, but my family lives in London.

“London is home, so one day I have to be back, unless no one wants me.”