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Jose Mourinho comments on Manchester United move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has commented on speculation linking Lionel Messi with a move to Old Trafford.
Rare footage of Lionel Messi's first-ever goal for Barcelona
Messi remains as important as ever to the La Liga giants - scoring 16 goals in 14 games so far this season.
However, his relationship with the club was said to have soured after they failed to publicly support him following his trial for tax evasion in the summer.
That has led to speculation that Manchester United - who broke the bank to land Paul Pogba for £89million in August - are ready to pounce.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for Argentina during the international break
But Mourinho has rubbished those claims and insisted he hopes Messi remains at the Nou Camp.
“Messi every season is the same story," Mourinho said ahead of Thursday's (8.05pm) Europa League clash with Fenerbahce.
"Every season he is going to leave and he never leaves and honestly I hope he never leaves because he belongs to Barcelona.”
Lionel Messi has also been linked with a move to Manchester City
United aren't the only English side to be linked with a move for the Argentina international.
Manchester City have also been touted as a potential destination due to Messi's positive relationship with Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola managed Messi for four years at Barcelona - winning three league titles and two Champions League crowns.
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