Unhappy United players told it’s ‘Mourinho’s way or highway’

THE Manchester United hierarchy are “completely” behind Jose Mourinho’s man-management style – so much so that it will be a case of his way or the highway for any player who fails to tow the line.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward fully endorses Mourinho’s approach, both as regards the market and how he deals with players.

While the Paul Pogba situation has been smoothed after the French star was left out for consecutive games and publicly criticised by the manager, sources close to the situation say it is still someway up in the air.

But it has been made known to the player and his representatives that United would back Mourinho (right) in any future f lashpoint.

That is despite the status Pogba has accrued as the club’s most expensive signing and one of their most prized players commercially.

He and the rest of the squad have been made fully aware that they can follow the manager’s instructions or leave.

Woodward is said to be totally convinced of Mourinho’s approach. The United manager, who recently signed a new deal that ties him to Old Trafford until 2020, sees Nemanja Matic’s attitude as an example to the rest of the United squad. Mourinho views the Serbian’s responsible and disciplined mindset as a requirement for any summer targets. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is ready to continue as Mourinho’s “sergeant on the pitch” when United to do battle with Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Much has been spoken about Liverpool’s potent attack in the build-up, but United boast threats of their own and a front man coming into form as the season reaches a conclusion.

Lukaku took his tally for the season to 23 in last Monday’s remarkable 3-2 comeback win at Crystal Palace, but believes he offers far more than goals to Mourinho and the team.

“It’s been really good,” the Belgium striker said when asked about linking up again with his former Chelsea boss in the summer. “I think he knows that I have like a soldier’s mentality. I’m like his sergeant on the pitch.” (© Independent News Service)