PREMIER WEEKEND: Pages 48-51

JOSE Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes has taken the unusual step of releasing a statement reaffirming his client’s commitment to Manchester United.

Speculation over Mourinho’s Old Trafford future persists following a difficult start to the season, which sees United eight points back from the Premier League’s top four after 15 games.

Mendes rarely comments publicly or speaks on the record, though his agency Gestifute yesterday issued a statement refuting suggestions that Mourinho may leave United.

“There have been more rumours of Jose Mourinho leaving Manchester United,” said Mendes, who also represents a number of high-profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It’s totally untrue. Jose is very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him. He has a long-term contract with Manchester United and is fully committed to the club in building a solid winning project.”

Mourinho’s side are winless in four games, eight points off the Champions League places and 18 behind cross-town rivals City heading to the halfway point this season.

After last weekend’s draw with Southampton, Mourinho (left) told Brazilian television network that United may need a ‘miracle’ in order to achieve a top-four finish, their minimum objective for the season.

Reports yesterday claimed that United were prepared to pay £40m to hire Mauricio Pochettino from Tottenham and could get out of Mourinho’s contract cheaper should he fail to return the Old Trafford club to the Champions League. United badly need a win at home to struggling Fulham today.