Mourinho dismisses ‘garbage’ talk of leaving Old Trafford

Jose Mourinho insists he has no plans to walk out on Manchester United at the end of the season.

Reports emerged last night claiming there were fears inside Old Trafford that Mourinho could resign after two seasons.

However, the United manager has not only rubbished that suggestion but stressed he is keen on extending his deal beyond the three-year contract he initially penned back in 2016.

“It depends on what you want to know and what you want to speak about,” Mourinho said on his future.

“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, which I suppose you want (to), if I see myself next season in Manchester United, I say I see myself (here). And, as I told when I arrived, I’m going to leave when the club wants me to leave, because I have no intention to leave at all.”

Asked whether he saw himself remaining at United beyond three seasons, he replied: “Yes, I see myself here (after three years), it’s just a question of the club, the board the owners, Mr (Ed) Woodward, they are all happy with my contribution and they want me to stay beyond the end of this contract, but I want to stay.”

Meanwhile goalkeeper Sergio Romero will start for United against Derby, while both Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini are available for tonight’s FA Cup third round clash at Old Trafford.

Striker Lukaku could feature six days after coming off on a stretcher against Southampton following a clash of heads, with midfielder Fellaini set to return having been out since November.

Michael Carrick is back training but will not be considered while Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly remain out injured and will be joined on the sidelines by the suspended Ashley Young.