Me leaving? ‘Garbage’ says Mourinho

JOSE Mourinho has dismissed as “garbage” claims he could quit Old Trafford this summer, insisting he wants to remain as manager for as long as possible.

Mourinho will have 12 months left on his £12-million-a-year (R199-million) deal this summer but it was revealed yesterday that detailed discussions had taken place with the Portuguese and his agent, Jorge Mendes, over the past month about extending that contract.

The United manager came out fighting yesterday as he reacted to claims he was unhappy in Manchester.

“If you want to speak about some news, I say, ‘garbage’. I don’t find a better word to define the talk.

“If you want to ask me directly . . . if I see myself next season in Manchester United, I say I see myself here,” said Mourinho ahead of tonight’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Derby County.

“My dedication is total and I’m here to stay for as long as the club thinks I should. It is a question of the club, the board, the owners, Mr [Ed] Woodward [United’s executive vicechairman]. They all are happy with my contribution and want me to stay beyond the end of this contract.”

Mourinho has never stayed longer than three years at one club and more than 19-months after his appointment at Old Trafford, the 54year-old is still living at the Lowry hotel in Salford while his wife, Matilde, stays in London.

But Mourinho said he was “very lazy” and, as such, enjoyed the comforts hotel living – afforded him, as well as the proximity to his assistants, who live in apartments nearby in Manchester city centre. “If the fans want me to be comfortable, that’s the way I feel comfortable,” he said.

“I am very lazy. I like to arrive in the hotel. I don’t want anyone to be worried.

“I’m in an apartment where I have all the comfort and support, like living in a house. If they are worried about me being comfortable and happy, I really am. If they want me to be in a house I don’t like – lonely, away from my assistants – then I would be a sad guy, and sad guys don’t work well.”

Meanwhile, United have invoked options in the contracts of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Ashley Young to extend their deals by 12months to the end of next season. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a target for Inter but United will not entertain a loan deal. — The Daily Telegraph