Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho defended good friend Aitor Karanka after victory at Middlesbrough.

The Spaniard, who was assistant to the Red Devils boss at Real Madrid, was axed by the Teessiders this week after a dismal run of results saw them slip into the relegation zone.

When asked whether the victory was 'justice for Karanka' following the game, Mourinho said: “Justice for Karanka is the work he did here.

“People can't believe the good things we do at clubs, but it doesn't matter what happens.

“I was sacked by Chelsea, people now don't like me but nobody can go there and repeat what I did."

Mourinho then went on to repeat claims that Karanka, who was spent three-and-a-half years at Boro, could have left for bigger and better things on numerous occasions.

He added: “Aitor came here with 8,000 or 10,000 people in the stadium, almost going down to League 1.

"He goes to the play-off final, could leave but decides to stay, gets promotion - again could leave the club - I know what I'm saying, he could have left for better.

"But he stayed for the fans, the owner, the players - and lost the opportunity to go to bigger clubs. I know what I'm saying, but in the end he loses his job.

"But that's football and I'm sure he wants this team to stay in the division, he wants with the fans (for Boro to) stay in the Premier League, so honestly I don't think he'll be happy."