Giggs wants fans to unite and get behind Mourinho
Big fan: Wales boss Ryan Giggs still attends United games RYAN Giggs has urged Manchester United supporters to rally round embattled manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho still retains the support of the United hierarchy despite a disappointing start to the season that has seen them lose two of their three Premier League games.
But odds on Mourinho leaving Old Trafford have tumbled in the wake of United’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Monday.
“I was there on Monday as a United fan,” said former Red Devils favourite Giggs. “It’s time for the fans to stick together, to get behind the club, the team, manager and the coaching staff.
“It’s a tough time at the moment but we’ve had tough times before and come through them.”
United’s next test is at Burnley on Sunday, and defeat there will intensify the spotlight further on Mourinho’s Old Trafford future.
“They’ve got a tough game at the weekend,” Wales manager Giggs said at a press conference to announce his squad for next week’s Uefa Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
“When I was assistant at United, Burnley was one of the games where I was setting up the cones and I was thinking, ‘I wouldn’t mind playing today’. There weren’t many times I thought like that, but you walk out and you’re surrounded by all the United fans around the tunnel.
“So it’s a fantastic game to get rid of all that negativity. I hope we come through it sooner rather than later. I’m sure we will.”
Giggs had four games as United interim manager at the end of the 2013-14 campaign before spending two seasons as Louis van Gaal’s assistant.
The 44-year-old is 12-1 with some bookmakers to succeed Mourinho, but told reporters: “Keep your money in your pockets.”
Former United striker Mark Hughes has, meanwhile, admitted that Manolo Gabbiadini failed to impress on his first start of the season but has ruled out letting the striker leave Southampton.
Italy international Gabbiadini was one of 10 changes for Tuesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup second-round win at Brighton.
He made little impact during 81 minutes before being replaced by goalscorer Charlie Austin.
“Gabbiadini struggled to a certain extent. We’re conscious he hasn’t had game time here and players sometimes need games and runs of games,” said Hughes.
“He’s not very demonstrative as a guy, he won’t scream and shout when maybe he should to make people aware that he wants the ball at the right time.”
Asked if Gabbiadini could depart on loan before transfer windows close across Europe, Hughes replied: “He won’t be going out. I like the options I’ve got up front.”
Brighton boss Chris Hughton also made 10 changes, handing a full debut to £17m record signing Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran.
“With Ali, he came back late from World Cup duty and what he has to be able to do is to adapt to the game here,” Hughton said. “It’ll take a little bit of time.” Under pressure: Jose Mourinho has had a tough season so far