Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he will take on board any personal criticism from the club's legendary players.
A number of former high-profile Red Devils stars have taken aim since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, with the style of play a particular grievance.
Mourinho, who himself has been accused of playing bland football in the past when helping Chelsea to the Premier League title, insists that former players are open to have their say and has invited them along to take in a training session should they wish.
"At this club you find legends from five years ago, legends of 10 years ago, legends of 15 years ago and legends of 20 years ago," he is quoted as saying by FourFourTwo. "Their voice becomes very powerful. That is something you have to understand. When people belong to the club history, they are different to a normal pundit. You have to look at them in a different way.
"You have to be respectful with these guys. They are so powerful in the fans' world that they can influence positively or negatively. The fans love them, so when they are positive they can unite and when they are negative they can create a more difficult situation. They are working and have to try to be honest and independent.
"So, myself, as Manchester United manager cannot tell them, 'you belong to our history, you are here to help'. You have to accept that if they are happy with the team they can elevate the support, but if they are not happy maybe they can disturb and make things more difficult. I would say to them, 'you are welcome at the training ground.' Any time you want to give an opinion, welcome, it is your house, it is your home and you can be back when you want."
Paul Scholes, arguably the biggest critic of Louis van Gaal's during his two years at Old Trafford, welcomed the news of Mourinho's arrival earlier this summer.
Daniel Lewis
