A Corridor Encounter Deeney Still Remembers

Troy Deeney has revisited one of his favourite football memories, recalling the blunt words Jose Mourinho offered him after Watford stunned Manchester United back in September 2016. The Hornets ran out 3-1 winners at Vicarage Road that day, with Deeney among the scorers alongside Etienne Capoue and Odion Ighalo.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Deeney described running into Mourinho in the corridors afterward, an encounter he still considers memorable a decade later. "He's a legend," Deeney said, praising the Portuguese for his characteristic bluntness. "Because he's straight-talking as well, whenever I've encountered him."

According to Deeney, Mourinho didn't hold back once the pair crossed paths. His advice, delivered in typically colourful and unfiltered fashion, apparently left a lasting impression on the striker. Rather than offering polite platitudes about the result, Mourinho reportedly gave Deeney characteristically blunt words about capitalising on big performances, the kind of no-nonsense exchange that quickly became his trademark during those early managerial years in England.

That victory arrived during a difficult early spell for Mourinho at United, with the club having lost three consecutive matches heading into the fixture. Marcus Rashford found the net for the visitors, yet it wasn't enough to prevent a third straight defeat under the new manager.

A Reflection Of Mourinho's Enduring Reputation

Deeney's recollection fits neatly into Mourinho's wider reputation across English football. Throughout his managerial career, he's remained one of the sport's most quotable figures, rarely shying away from direct or provocative language, whether addressing opponents, officials or his own players.

Interestingly, Deeney's admiration for Mourinho has surfaced before, too. During his own flirtation with a possible Tottenham move years later, Deeney spoke warmly about crossing paths with the coach again, reinforcing just how much respect he holds for him.

For fans of that era, this anecdote adds another layer to Mourinho's colourful legacy in England. Whether delivered as praise or a friendly jab, according to Yardbarker, that corridor exchange clearly stuck with Deeney long after the final whistle.