Lend me your ears

Mourinho to hold clear-the-air talks with entire squad

LONDON: Jose Mourinho (pic) will hold clear-the-air talks with his Manchester United squad this week in a bid to save their season.

The United boss has been critical of some of his stars in recent weeks after a number of lacklustre performances.

He had a bust-up with Luke Shaw at the Red Devils’ training ground two-weeks ago and is thought to be barely speaking to Paul Pogba.

Mourinho is understood to be planning to sit down with his team and clarify some of his recent public comments.

The former Chelsea manager has only just arrived back in Manchester after a break away in Portugal.

And most of his squad have been away on international duty and will return today.

A United source said: “The staff are expecting Jose to address the entire squad today at Carrington.

“He only returned from a mini-holiday himself recently and was over there for a few days.

“He also took in the Scotland game last Friday.

“Only eight players remained at the club during the international break.

“They had about five-days off. Too many players were rushing off when they were knocked out by Sevilla.

“A few are now expecting the manager to clarify some of his recent public criticisms. “It should make for an interesting day.” Mourinho is planning a huge summer clear-out of his United flops with nine firstteam players facing the axe. — The Sun, London