Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho denies Ed Woodward rift in AWKWARD press conference

Posted Saturday, August 25, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho denies Ed Woodward rift in AWKWARD press conference
Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho denied his rift at Ed Woodward (Image: Getty)

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Jose Mourinho has denied he has fallen out with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward during a tense press conference today.

The Red Devils manager spoke briefly to reporters ahead of Monday's crucial clash with Tottenham and was clearly in a bad mood as he walked in 30 minutes early before batting away claims he was at odds with Woodward and Paul Pogba.

When asked if he still enjoyed a fine relationship with the vice-chairman, Mourinho said: "Of course [everything is fine with Woodward]. No [there is no problem].

"I think difficult, difficult is after the match you lose, it is always difficult, especially for people that really care about the job.

"Care about being a football professional, but after that you think about the next match.

"You do the same when you win, you have to move on and focus about what is next - and when you lose you have to do even more.

"Don't ask me (about the criticism) because I don't read it.

"I don't know 10 per cent of what is written, of what is coming on TV screens - so I'm not the right guy to answer it.

"You (the media) are pessimistic - I'm not."

Pogba has hinted at continued problems with Mourinho after a season of upheaval last term.

The Frenchman has captained United for the first two games of the campaign but has struggled to contain his frustration.

"Paul said. He has to answer by his words," he told reporters.

"If you want any explanation about Paul's words, you must get him and ask him."

Pressed on the problems in the background at United, a moody Mourinho said: 'Yeah, but don't ask me because I don't read it.

"I don't know 10 per cent of what is written, of what is coming on TV screens, so I'm not the right guy to answer it. You are pessimistic, I'm not."

On the next few games, Mourinho added: "You have to play against 19 opponents at Old Trafford and away, you have to play against everyone, so I don't know if it's the right time [to be playing Tottenham].

"The time is now, the fixtures were decided this way and we have to play, Tottenham in the second match at Old Trafford, and then we go away twice in a row Burnley and Watford.

"This is what it is and of course it's a difficult match, against a team that last season finished in top four. So a difficult match."

United take on Tottenham on Monday evening.