Jose Mourinho has taken a sensational shot at his Manchester United players, saying: “I think that some care more than others!”
Mourinho has been feeling the heat at Old Trafford after a poor start to the season and continued problems with his players.
The Red Devils boss has clashed with Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez in recent weeks as United have failed to keep up with title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who are already nine points clear of them at the top of the Premier League.
Numerous reports suggest Mourinho could be on his way out at Manchester United, with former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane set to replace him.
Red Devils chiefs, however, have played down this scenario as a possibility.
Mourinho spoke to the press on Monday, ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Valencia, in which he questioned the fight of some of his players. “The reason why we don’t win matches is the same as why we win matches,” continued Mourinho. “It’s down to everybody. The performance on the pitch is down to many factors.”
He added: “I see different reactions, but sometimes what you see is different from the inside. You see some people on the outside look like they haven’t lost a game, but in training they are working hard.”
Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba put on a united front in training on Monday, as Manchester United prepare for Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter with Valencia.
The Frenchman scored twice as the Red Devils opened up their European campaign with a 3-0 win over Young Boys two weeks ago.
But Pogba has since been told he won’t captain the side again, been publicly dressed down by his manager in front of watching TV camera and United have failed to win any of their three games since.
That run culminated with Saturday’s dismal 3-1 defeat at West Ham , in which Mourinho substituted the World Cup winner at 2-0 down with 20′ minutes remaining.
United’s display, and Mourinho’s switch to three centre-backs – with midfielder Scott McTominay selected as part of that back three – have come in for widespread criticism.
But smiles were back on the faces of Pogba and the under-fire United boss in training on Monday morning, as the Red Devils prepare for the visit of the Spanish champions and look to get their campaign back on track.
The Chilean watched from the stands at the London Stadium, having not been named in the matchday squad by Mourinho.
The 29-year-old was furious with his exclusion, and sulked throughout the loss as he sat behind the United dug-out.
Sanchez made clear to everyone behind the scenes during the game how angry and upset he was and chatted with ex-Arsenal teammate Lucas Perez in the tunnel. Sanchez has yet to score for United this season and the £500,000-a-week star’s long-term future is in question.