As news of a rift between Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward surfaced during Manchester United's summer tour of the United States, it seemed a matter of when rather than if the Portuguese would depart the club prematurely.
Although neither side came out of the close season looking particularly proficient in their role, Mourinho has as yet remained in position. Into his third season in charge of United, with news emerging almost daily of his deteriorating relationship with Paul Pogba, a major turnaround would be required to shift the pervading sense of negativity surrounding Old Trafford at this current moment in time.
According to an ESPN report, it seems the opposite has occurred, and a number of Manchester United's senior personell have lost faith with Jose Mourinho.
Previously, Mourinho had reportedly irked a number of players in his tough treatment of full-back Luke Shaw. It is Mourinho's dealings with the French World Cup winner Pogba that now appear to have struck some United players the wrong way.
Said to be dismayed with Mourinho's general negativity, the report suggests "that only a handful of players are now fully behind Mourinho." While the United board remain committed to backing their manager in public, news from within the squad rarely seems as positive.
One source has said, however, that Mourinho is "picking fights with his players and then asking them to play for him," with another claiming the atmosphere between Mourinho and his squad has been difficult since the players returned to preseason training in July.
"Angry and frustrated" with how things have developed in light of a first season under Mourinho that delivered two trophies to the club, it is understood that certain players within the club are considering their future away from the club.
[ESPN]
