That is what Antonio Valencia has declared in the wake of United’s draw to Valencia. The Red Devils could only draw 0-0 with their Champions League opponents as their winless streak stretched to four consecutive matches in all competitions.
Mourinho is under increasing pressure with many tipping the Portuguese manager to be sacked in the coming weeks. That’s amid an apparent huge fall-out between Mourinho and Paul Pogba, with the two trading blows in the media before a tense training ground showdown last week.
The pair seem to have put their feud temporarily aside, but United’s off-field issues remain a popular topic given their struggles on it.
United are without a win since beating Young Boys last month, drawing at home to Wolves, being beaten by Derby on penalties in the Carabao Cup and losing emphatically to West Ham last weekend before their Valencia stalemate.
But despite the ongoing problems at the club, skipper Valencia – who was claimed to be on strained terms with Mourinho himself – insists the players remain right behind the boss.
Asked whether he supported Mourinho, Valencia told reporters: ”One hundred per cent. He is our boss, we have to be with him and we are fighting.”
And on the reports the Ecuadorian had clashed with the manager, he added: “No, I have never had any problem with anyone, thank God.
“The decision [of Mourinho to strip Pogba of the vice-captaincy] is for the coach to make, now we need to see the positives. We played an important game and got a point, now we have a game against Newcastle and we need to fight. What I can say from the inside is that the lads are calm, working every day with a good attitude. We haven’t got good results and that’s why rumours arise.”
United are nine points off of leaders Manchester City in the Premier League already, their worst top-flight start in 29 years, in addition to their domestic cup upset.
Their continued frustrations led to booing in some quarters of Old Trafford at full-time against Valencia.
But Mourinho refused to speak out against the fans, declaring: “[They are entitled to] Freedom of speech. Especially Manchester United fans, who I respect 200 per-cent.”
And the 55-year-old was also coy when asked about United legend Paul Scholes’ scathing criticism while working as a pundit on BT Sport’s coverage of the game.
The ex-midfielder claimed he was “surprised he [Mourinho] survived” after the West Ham defeat and added: “I think his mouth is probably out of control and I think he’s embarrassing the club.”
In response, Mourinho said: “I don’t need to know what he said. He said what he wants to say.
“I’m not interested, honestly, I’m not interested. Freedom of speech, free country, you can say what you want.”
United will hope to end their miserable run at home to Newcastle in the league this Saturday (5.30pm), their final game before what will be a welcome international break.