That is the view of Sky Sports pundit and former England defender Stuart Pearce.
Mourinho was vocal in his displeasure towards his players in Manchester United’s 2-1 loss at Huddersfield on Saturday.
“The team that wanted it more won. When the best team wins there is nothing to say. I don’t know why they wanted it more,” Mourinho said after the game.
Defeat was United’s first in the Premier League this season and puts them five points behind rivals Manchester City at the top of the table.
Pearce reckons Mourinho has proved that being critical of players works and he will need it to this week.
United face Swansea in the Carabao Cup tomorrow and host Tottenham this Saturday in the Premier League.
“Jose, he doesn’t pull his punches does he?” Pearce said of the Manchester United boss.
“In the latter years especially, the last three, four years, he’s been more forthright in his criticism of players when he sees it necessary to do so.
“The players have reacted very very well over the last months and years at United when he has criticised individuals, Luke Shaw being one of them.
“He’s come out and criticised them, (Juan) Mata as well, he’s criticised them, but they’ve come out and rolled their sleeves up.
“He needs a reaction from his team, they’ve got a tough EFL Cup game, which he likes to win by the way, Jose Mourinho, in the week and then Spurs come to town Saturday.
“He’s going to need two big performances from his team.”