Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have been vocal critics of Mourinho in their roles as pundits but Ince says the pair are in no position to judge as they do not have managerial experience.
United are struggling badly under Mourinho’s guidance this season and it has been reported that his job is under threat.
However, former Red Devils midfielder Ince leapt to his defence.
“Jose Mourinho is an emotional man, he has been all his career,” he said.
“We know that – but, at the minute, everything he does, everybody is jumping on it, trying to make it a negative story.
“Pundits likes Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes, the ones who keep having a go at Mourinho and United all the time, they’ve not managed, they’ve not had to make the big decisions.
“I understand they have to have opinions – I’ve done both roles, I can see it from both sides – but they don’t know what it’s like to be in that situation as a manager.”
Jose Mourinho appeared to earn himself a stay of execution after Marouane Fellaini’s late winner in Tuesday’s 1-0 over Young Boys in the Champions League.
The Belgian’s strike earned United a place in the knockout stage and Mourinho celebrated wildly by smashing a drinks crate next to the dugout at Old Trafford.
It came just two weeks after he taunted Juventus fans by cupping his ear following another 1-0 victory over the Italian giants.
Mourinho faces a possible charge but Ince says his reaction was understandable and does not think it was over the top given the current situation.
“Let’s have it right: there was nothing wrong with Mourinho’s reaction to Marouane Fellaini’s winner against Young Boys in the week,” Ince said when speaking exclusively to Paddy Power.
“When the pressure is on, and the pundits are sharpening their knives, and you can see it happening in front of you as your team is drawing 0-0 with Young Boys after drawing with Palace, to get a last-gasp winner is incredible. I can totally understand his joy and relief.
“In Turin, after the Juventus game, I agreed that he didn’t need to go on the pitch – irrespective of how he felt he’d been treated by the Italian fans.
“It was such a great comeback from the boys, he should’ve just let them take the glory.
“But the one on Tuesday night was completely different. His reaction totally makes sense to me.
“I’ve been there – not at the same level, of course – but I know what it’s like when you’re the manager and something like that happens. The emotions get away from you.
“If I was playing for Jose, and had looked across and seen that reaction, I would’ve been absolutely buzzing.
“This is a manager who wants to win, who has got passion. I’m all for Mourinho doing that, there’s nothing wrong with showing your emotions.”
Paul Ince was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News. To read more, visit news.paddypower.com
