MANCHESTER, England — Jose Mourinho did not deactivate his Instagram account because of online abuse, sources have told ESPN FC.
Supporters noticed the account run by the Manchester United manager was not active over the weekend, prompting reports it had been removed in response to criticism received after the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
However, sources confirmed to ESPN FC that Mourinho deleted his account, which had 2.8 million followers, on Thursday — three days before the 1-0 defeat at Wembley.
Mourinho joined Instagram in 2016, shortly after being appointed United’s manager following the departure of Louis van Gaal, and posted occasional pictures of his work and family life.
Defeat to Chelsea left United without a trophy for the first time in three years.
They recorded their highest Premier League finish since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 but still ended the campaign 19 points behind champions Manchester City.
Eden Hazard’s first-half penalty, after he had been fouled by Phil Jones, was enough to earn Chelsea their eighth FA Cup triumph.
Rob is ESPN FC’s Manchester United correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @RobDawsonESPN.
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