WHATA UNITED STATE
Mourinho’s moods have put his players on edge with 10 days to the big Prem kick-off
JOSE MOURINHO’S spectacular US meltdown is affecting his Manchester United players – with the new season just 10 days away.
The Reds boss has cut an angry and frustrated figure on the club’s trip to the States, with players, staff and officials said to be on edge around him.
Mourinho (with Alexis Sanchez, right) singled out Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia for criticism, his cutting remarks on the former causing concern among the United
hierarchy. Mourinho gave an interview to MUTV in which he claimed Martial – who left America to attend the birth of his second child – should have rejoined the tour after his son was born.
United were concerned at the potential inflammatory effect of the remarks, but they were broadcast before they could be vetoed, with club sources since claiming there was no problem with them being aired.
One senior United player was so concerned about Mourinho’s reaction to an interview he gave on tour, he insisted his answer to one question was pulled to avoid further antagonising his boss.
Against that backdrop, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and his fellow officials, have become increasingly worried about the negative tone set by Mourinho ahead of a crucial season.
He has moaned about the lack of players at his disposal in pre-season, the perceived failure of Woodward to land all of his summer transfer targets, and has cut a disillusioned figure.
It was clear Mourinho wanted to make a point regarding his feelings about Martial, who he felt could have rejoined the squad in Michigan or Miami.
But Martial failed to return, leaving Mourinho without a recognised centre-forward, as Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford are both still on postWorld Cup breaks.