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Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho given ‘vote of confidence' amid third season fears
MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly confident Jose Mourinho will not suffer from ’third season syndrome' despite a fractious start to the season.
Mourinho needs to work with the team he has says expert
In Mourinho’s previous two jobs, Real Madrid and Chelsea, the Portuguese coach experienced a difficult period during the third season and ended up leaving the clubs.
And ahead of his third year at Manchester United, Mourinho has been a frustrated figure following the failure to sign the players he wanted in the transfer window.
In January, Mourinho extended his contract until 2020 but critics have speculated whether he could leave Old Trafford in the next 12 months.
Former Real manager Zinedine Zidane has been linked with Mourinho’s job as he looks to fulfil a desire to manage in the Premier League.
But according to Sky Sports, the mood around the club is “excellent” and there is a belief Mourinho does have a squad capable of winning the league.
The report says United officials feel the squad chemistry is “good” and believe there has been a year-on-year improvement.
Summer signing Fred is cited as an example of the harmony in the club because he is viewed as “gregarious and outgoing”.
One player Mourinho has clashed with is midfielder Paul Pogba.
And former Tottenham, Newcastle and England star Jermaine Jenas feels Mourinho could be a casualty of their row.
Jenas told Express Sport: “Unfortunately the manager never wins.
“Essentially what tends to happen, as we’ve seen many a year, especially surrounding Mourinho, it’s almost a player revolt at times.
“They start not performing because they are not happy, which has an impact on the pitch, on the fans. It is not going to take much to rock that boat.
“So he has to be really careful with this one because I feel Pogba holds all the cards.
“I think Mourinho is who he is and he’s very stubborn in his mindset.
“Almost rightly so, he’s achieved so much in the game, he deserves that thought process but unfortunately I feel like he will be one that loses out and ends up losing his job because the club will be desperate to keep hold of Paul Pogba.”