Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says sacking reports made his players 'depressed'

Jose Mourinho has revealed the effect the intense scrutiny on his future is having on Manchester United’s players.

Mourinho’s position has been thrust into doubt after a troubled start to the season, which has seen United lose three times already in the Premier League.

He claims reports he was set to be sacked before the international break left some players depressed - resulting in the woeful first half performance against Newcastle, which saw them concede two goals in 10 minutes before a dramatic 3-2 win.

Mourinho accused the media of a manhunt after that match - and admits the constant speculation is also getting to him. But he insists he will shield his players from the spotlight as he tries to fix the crisis at Old Trafford.

“Some of the players looked depressed in the first half with the result and with the pre match because the pre match was a difficult pre match for them,” said the 55-year-old.

“I think in that weekend we didn’t sleep in the hotel, everyone stayed at his own house and I think the players when they woke up in the morning from that they read because they read on social media, the pre match was not easy for them.

“What I can do is what I keep telling them - that this is my problem to cope with it, because I am the man and let them enjoy their football the way they did against Newcastle in the second half.”

In the interview with Sky Sports, he added: “I am not happy honestly, but if someone has to be the man, I would prefer it to be myself than my players.

“Yes it bothers me. Because I am a man like you are.

“My players, they care.”

(Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)

United travel to joint leaders Chelsea on Saturday - and Mourinho insists he remains focused on turning United’s season around.

“I am always fresh. Every day I am fresh. I can be happier or less happier, winning or losing obviously has an effect, but I promise you the day after a football match it doesn’t matter the result, I wake up fresh and ready to work again and to give my best again. I am fresh, very fresh.

“My determination and the determination that I want from my people doesn’t have to do with win or with lose.”