Jose Mourinho may have dismissed criticism of his record on promoting youth as “one lie repeated many times” on Monday, but the Manchester United manager’s list of young players he “promoted to the first team from academies” does not stand up to much scrutiny.

Of the 49 players cited at Benfica, Uniao de Leiria, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, almost half of them – 23 – made just one appearance under Mourinho with another 10 playing only two games for the Portuguese. Most were packed off on loan or sold no sooner had they being handed their debuts. Just 14 of the players listed made more than five appearances under Mourinho, who bristled at suggestions he does not give enough opportunity to youngsters.