In the Mourinho coached years, the best Premiership player was unable to score a goal against Chelsea.
This was what Mourinho had to say when Ronaldo had his best season scoring 38 goals for United in 2008.
“The player of the year must be the best of the year but he must also be a winner,” Mourinho said. “I don’t think he can be a player without a big trophy. Clearly what Ronaldo did in the season was magnificent. I think by far, or by some distance, he has been the best player in the Premiership but for me the best is always a winner because football is a collective sport. If Man United do something important by winning the Premiership or by winning the Champions League I would say – and not just me, the whole football world – give the trophy to him.”
Man Utd won the Premiership and the CL as Chelsea came unglued in the last days of the season. But Mourinho’s point is still valid.
Individual records and accolades count for little unless they are backed up by the ultimate prize. At the very least, that means winning the Liga.