Former Ajax and Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu has hailed the motivating powers of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

Chivu won the Treble with Mourinho at Inter.

And ahead of tonight's Europa League final, Chivu recalled: "He is so intelligent, a genius, he gave us the feeling that we were the best team in the world.

"Sometimes we sat around waiting to discuss the match, but then he came with nothing at all. He'd just walk into the locker room and say: 'Get the f*** out of here and win!' He just knew every time how to motivate us to the bone."

On protecting his players, Chivu added: "He takes all responsibility on himself, because in his press conferences and interviews many people hope that he goes down. But that doesn't interest him. Only winning counts."