Jose Mourinho is under mounting pressure again as he begins to show the strain of Manchester United’s faltering season. Mauricio Pochettino would be the popular choice to take over if Mourinho is sacked, with assistant coach Michael Carrick an option to become interim manager if the Tottenham boss is unavailable until the end of the season.
Before Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Southampton, Mourinho hauled his players into an 11am team meeting after breakfast at the Hilton Ageas Bowl and launched into an expletive-filled rant lasting 10 minutes.
The 55-year-old is understood to have told the squad that United’s slump isn’t just his fault and questioned their professionalism and attitude.
Later, Mourinho berated his team once again in the dressing room at St Mary’s following their third poor performance in a week.
It was claimed on Sunday that he branded Paul Pogba ‘a virus’ after United’s coaching staff identified the record signing as the root of many of the problems afflicting the team.
Mourinho, who responded to a late winner against Young Boys last Tuesday by hurling a crate of drinks to the floor, was then driven to his family home in London from Southampton airport while most of the squad flew back to Manchester.
The United boss has become an increasingly isolated figure in recent weeks, detached from the players, who have struggled to accept his criticism and outspoken comments.
The atmosphere around the training ground at Carrington has been described as ‘unbearable’ with many players and staff feeling the situation cannot continue for much longer.
United are 16 points behind Manchester City going into Wednesday’s home clash with Arsenal and their problems at centre back have worsened after Phil Jones was sent for scans on an injury.
Collins4599
233
I have always seen this man as a very good coach, I mean Mauricio Pochetino... Just imagine how he has transformed Spurs since his arrival from Southampton.. Man U should go for him and give him a chance, I believe he will do well.. If he can get the best out of Spurs with this their players, believe me he will do well when entrusted with the calibre of players Man U have..
veheilnosy
193
There is no way a manager behaving like if running his house with children nono Mourinho too much boosting every game he has to make a mistake.For him it's a redcard or he has been charged by FA, behaving like if someone take drugs what kind of a manager? manager should read by example.get exmple to my manager UnaiEmary very calmcoach bye.
TanIsRed
183
For Jose Mourn..
mecekmprz
145
A good coach doesn't need an eternity to transform his team. Take a look at what Emery has achieved in a very short time at Arsenal, the attacking formation, bravery and high metal football. Jose Mourinho keeps boring ManU fans with below-par performance week in week out. I am a ManU fan and I can state here that ManU cannot develope further with JM at the helms even if he's given all the money in the world to reinforce. HE SHOULD BE SACKED!!!!!!!
fokbiorsz
101
If we like let's keep pretending, let compare last season with this. We were runners up but what is happening now,just after 14 games we are 15 points behind the same people we were chasing last season and 7th positionin the league. what are talking about. we are obviously dropping not only points but also on the pitch and we are not making things better with alot of indecision from the board. pls sell damian and raise fun to pay off morinho's compensation. Bring in zizou before we start regretting when he signs for bayern munchen. With his reputation players will play for him, big names will love to come to the club again