UNITED’S PLAYERS BLASTED

and there was not enough heart. I think we played the game like it was just one more game. I don’t think it is one more game, it is one we really needed to win. It was a bad result. It was two points we lost.

“There are matches that are special and not just one more – and this wasn’t just one more. It was the first of eight Premier games to the end of December and one we needed to win.”

And Mourinho, who, on the eve of the game, accused some of his younger players of lacking maturity and mental toughness, believes that too many of his squad would rather party than put in the hard miles.

He added: “I am what I am. Every individual is a different individual. There are people who will have a bad dinner, others will enjoy a nice one and maybe ones who will party.

“The least you can do is play with heart. I agree. What’s the solution? You cannot change players’ natures dramatically.

“The solution is probably I have to make certain choices based on the heart – I think heart is not enough and I am missing some quality.”

There will definitely be changes in Tuesday night’s critical Champions League game back at Old Trafford against Young Boys.

Mourinho insisted: “If we play with the same philosophy against Young Boys, we won’t win and will have to go to Valencia and win.

“I tried to play with the bulk of players not involved in national matches to have that freshness.

“I never complain about my work. I give everything about my work every day. Of course, there is frustration.

“You can improve, you can influence players, especially when one is open to it. When he realises he has to give more and change his nature a little bit, when they are open, they change.”

If United decide to cash in on Pogba, Marotta plans to jump on Juve’s bid to take him back to Turin with a cash-plus-players deal.

It’s no secret that Mourinho is desperate to sign Perisic, who could be made available.

Skriniar would also be the answer to Mourinho’s prayers for an established, rock-solid centre-back to ease his defensive worries.

Inter are under FFP sanction until June next year. They can agree deals, but not complete signings until then.

DEAL: Skriniar (left) and Perisic (right)