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Man Utd news: Club insider reveals TOXIC atmosphere due to Mourinho and Woodward feud
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho's feud with vice-chairman Ed Woodward is causing a 'toxic' atmosphere, a club insider claims.
The Red Devils are a club in crisis at present after a fractured pre-season and a poor summer of transfer business.
Manchester United were beaten 3-2 by Brighton at the Amex Stadium last Sunday, adding to the woes of Mourinho and his players.
The former Chelsea boss has aimed digs at both Woodward and a host of his own squad in recent months.
And now it is being reported that Mourinho's antics are causing a 'toxic' atmosphere at Old Trafford.
The atmosphere is toxic
“The atmosphere is toxic," a club insider told the Daily Mirror.
"It’s worse than anyone can remember — and there have been some really low points in the five years since (Sir Alex) Ferguson retired.”
The Mirror report United owners want to keep Mourinho for the time being due to the vast amount of money it would cost to pay up his contract, which runs until 2020.
But Woodward will also be kept on due to his success in the boardroom.
Earlier this week shares in the club trading on the New York Stock Exchange hit an all-time high of almost £19, meaning United is now valued at almost £3.2billion.
Mourinho was asked about his relationship with Woodward in an awkward press conference on Friday afternoon.
Speaking briefly, he told reporters: “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.”
United will be hoping to get their season back on track when they welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford on Monday evening.