Jose’s shadow hangs over United

Manchester United's players and staff are worried about the negative impact Jose Mourinho would have if he replaces Louis van Gaal. EPA/JOSE COELHO

Manchester United's players and staff are worried about the negative impact Jose Mourinho would have if he replaces Louis van Gaal. EPA/JOSE COELHO

Published Feb 11, 2016

Share

Manchester United’s players and staff are worried about the negative impact Jose Mourinho would have if he replaces Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Mourinho has told friends that his appointment is a ‘done deal’, although it is understood there is no formal agreement with United, despite reports in Spain yesterday of a three-year contract worth £15million a year.

The prospect of working under the 53-year-old Portuguese coach has been met with some consternation at United’s Carrington training base, with players and staff said to be concerned about his confrontational approach.

They know of the problems that engulfed the former Chelsea boss before his departure from Stamford Bridge in December and do not relish having to deal with the kind of discord that has become synonymous with Mourinho. There are also concerns that No 2 Ryan Giggs would not stay to integrate himself into another new regime, having had to sit alongside David Moyes and Van Gaal while United have declined.

United go to Sunderland on Saturday hoping to close a six-point gap on the top four before turning their attentions to the Europa League and FA Cup.

Van Gaal reacted angrily to questions about the situation after Sunday’s draw at Chelsea, having said before the game: ‘I don’t believe there is already a relationship between Jose Mourinho and Manchester United.’

United have stayed silent on the issue, although executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward may discuss it today when he meets investors following the release of United’s latest figures.

On Monday, the club’s share price dropped to its lowest level on the New York Stock Exchange since December 2012.– Daily Mail

Related Topics: