KEY POINTS

  • Jose Mourinho questioned the size of the goalpost in a recent Europa League match
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked fun at Mourinho's remark after Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Brighton
  • Mourinho responded by bringing up the Red Devils’ reliance on penalties

Tottenham Hotspur coach Jose Mourinho has responded to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's goalpost comments by bringing up Manchester United’s reliance on penalties.

The verbal exchange of the two managers started when Mourinho pointed out in a recent Europa League qualifier that the goals used appeared to be small.

"I felt immediately something was wrong and we got the UEFA delegate to come in and it was 5cm too small. We asked for goals of the right dimensions," Mourinho said, Goal reported.

This prompted Solskjaer to poke fun at Mourinho after Manchester United's 3-2 win against Brighton.

The Red Devils were victorious over the Seagulls in dramatic fashion as Brighton’s Leandro Trossard hit the woodwork on three separate shot attempts throughout the match. Luck was on Manchester United’s side, and they were able to capitalize on Bruno Fernandes sealing the game with a penalty goal.

"You have to be happy Jose is not here to measure the goalposts," Solskjaer told BT Sport after the match.

Solskjaer's quip was enough for Mourinho to retaliate with his own thoughts on Manchester United’s manager.

"No, because I know the goalposts are fine. I think Ole yesterday was so happy and surprised with what happened to his team that he had a joke," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"But I understand for him the dimensions of the goalposts are not important. For him, what is important, is the dimensions of the 18-yard box," Mourinho added.

Former Manchester United manager Mourinho suggested that Solskjaer may want to play with a bigger penalty box.

"He would never accept to play with a 17-yard box, I think he would prefer a 22-yard box! For him it would be better," Mourinho said.

Manchester United has been known to take a lot of penalties and Mourinho had something to say about that.

"Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score," Mourinho stressed.

With the Premier League just starting this month, Tottenham Hotspur has a current record of a win, a loss and a draw. Manchester United is tied with one win and one loss.

Mourinho and Solskjaer will meet each other at Old Trafford on Saturday when United hosts Tottenham in the Premier League.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
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