Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho slammed for blocking Chelsea star’s development

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been criticised for blocking Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s development while he was in charge at Chelsea.

The young midfielder shone on his England debut last week, earning the Man of the Match award for his eye-catching performance in the 0-0 draw with Germany.

Loftus-Cheek has long looked a bright prospect at Stamford Bridge, but like many Chelsea youngsters before him, has struggled to get into the first-team on a regular basis.

Mourinho often earned criticism for failing to trust his youth players at Chelsea, a reputation that has also followed him to United, though his successor Antonio Conte has hardly fared much better on that front.

Loftus-Cheek in action for England against Germany
Ruben Loftus-Cheek hasn’t had many chances at Chelsea

The Italian sent Loftus-Cheek on loan to Crystal Palace this season, while also selling youngsters like Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake.

Still, Loftus-Cheek’s dad has taken issue with Mourinho’s treatment of his son, telling the Daily Mail: ‘Jose Mourinho held him back. He should have been playing. Everyone behind the scenes was asking: “why isn’t he playing?”

‘If Ruben was playing for Mauricio Pochettino, he’d have 70, 80, 90 first-team appearances by now.’

More Stories Antonio Conte Jose Mourinho Mauricio Pochettino Ruben Loftus-Cheek