Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has once again rebuffed any criticism directed at him following the club’s Champions League last 16 exit against Sevilla.

The Portuguese, who launched a 12-minute press conference rant prior to the FA Cup win over Brighton – defending his record in charge at Old Trafford, has come under the microscope following a series of below-par displays.

However, the so-called Special One has admitted he “understands the frustration” of the fans but says the club are currently going through a rebuilding phase and results should be expected like this.

Asked about his critics during an interview with CNN World Sport‘s Amanda Davies, Mourinho said: “No, I don’t. I understand the frustration, I understand the sadness of being knocked out in the Champions League, but I don’t understand anything more than that.”

Mourinho went on to say that the Red Devils are only behind rivals Manchester City in the Premier League table and patience, as well as time, is required to get to their level.

“In the history of football all around the world, not just in England, you had the biggest clubs with the moments of transition, you have the biggest clubs with moments of continuous and permanent victories and these are phases in the club. I think really at this moment looking to us in the Premier League we have one team, one club clearly better prepared than us in the past few years to be first and we have 18 clubs behind us. One in front of us, 18 behind us.”