Woodward’s pals say it’s all jokes with Jose

friends of Manchester United executive vice-chairman ed Woodward claim his relationship with Jose Mourinho is stronger than ever.

The perceived split is seen as being at the heart of the problems at Old Trafford. Yet those close to Woodward insist he is getting on fine with the manager, with whom he has been laughing and joking while watching training more often than usual at Carrington over the last few weeks.

An example of their strong bond is Mourinho sending kisses to Woodward’s three-year- old twins when texting him and it is claimed they are in agreement over Anthony Martial being offered a new, five-year contract.

The friends of Woodward say outspoken sky sports pundit Gary neville has not helped in promoting the so-called rift when he criticised Woodward for staying in his seat following the defeat at Brighton, calling it a show of dissent not befitting a United chief executive.

However, Woodward only remained seated to allow the family of Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who were at the end of his aisle, to celebrate a famous victory.

Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes, in Monaco for meetings around the Champions League draw, said all the heat in the Jose situation will cool off provided United win at Burnley on sunday.