Manchester United

Jose Mourinho 'had 45-minute rant at Manchester United players'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 04 October 2018

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly embarked on a 45-minute rant at his players over their apparent lack of desire ahead of their 0-0 draw with Valencia.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly launched a 45-minute rant at his players over their poor recent performances prior to Tuesday night's goalless draw with Valencia.

United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season with just 10 points from their opening seven games, while they have also been knocked out of the EFL Cup and were frustrated by Valencia at Old Trafford in the midweek Champions League game.

Last weekend's defeat to West Ham United saw the Red Devils produce a particularly abject performance, and the Daily Mail reports that Mourinho felt compelled to take his players to task ahead of Tuesday's match.

Mourinho's backroom staff were said to be shocked at the volume of the manager's voice during the tirade, which is understood to have gone on for twice as long as planned.

Reports have claimed that Mourinho has fallen out with Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Valencia already this season, with the off-field problems at the club making as many headlines as their poor form on the pitch.

The United squad is rumoured to be split into two camps between those who back Mourinho and those who want him out, and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has already been touted as a possible replacement.