Mourinho is working up a sweat

JOSE MOURINO admitted that the heat will be on him and his Manchester United players tonight.

The temperature in Skopje hit 40C yesterday and is still expected to be around 32C when United kick-off against Real Madrid this evening.

UEFA have made provisions for two drinks breaks, in the 30th and 75th minutes, to ensure that players from both sides do not dehydrate in the searing Macedonian heat.

Mourinho (above) admitted that he tried to schedule United’s training to factor in the soaring temperatures, but his plans were scuppered by the Manchester rain.

“I knew the weather was like this,” said the Reds boss.

“Since we got back from the United States, I decided to train in Manchester every day at 4pm.

“I was trying to keep that feeling of the heat, but it was raining every day.

“But even for Real Madrid it has to be hard. I know that in Madrid they train in the hot weather and are more adapted than us, but we have to play and enjoy a special moment.

“It’s not many times that a player has a chance to play in the Super Cup unless, like Barcelona and Real, you have plenty of opportunities.

“Maybe the referee will allow the players to have some fresh water, but we have to try to cope.”