José Mourinho has responded to speculation that he is unhappy at Manchester United, insisting he will be at the club next season and hopes to extend his stay beyond three years.
Launching something of a charm offensive in comparison with his sour demeanour at recent press conferences, the United manager described reports of a rift between him and the board as “garbage news”, adding that the owners and the board were happy with his work.
"I can't find a better word than garbage to define the [recent] talk," Mourinho said in the buildup to Friday's FA Cup game at home to Derby.
“If you want to ask me directly, I see myself next season at Manchester United. I will leave when the club wants me to leave; at the moment I have no intention to leave at all. I want to stay, I don’t see any reason not to stay.
“I still have a contract – in fact I am only in the middle of my contract, not in the last couple of months.”
Mourinho admitted the story, which cited frequent trips back to his family home in London, had troubled him.
“The worst thing anyone can do to myself is not to say that I am a bad manager, is not to say that I am under-performing or that I made a mistake in this game or that game, the worst thing someone can do is put one inch of doubt into my professionalism, in my dedication to my club, to my job, to my players.”
He added: “I hope by the end of my contract the board are happy enough with my contribution to want me to stay. Whether I get a new contract or not depends on the club, but my commitment is total and I want to stay.”
Body language
Mourinho went on to dispute the theory that his body language of late has suggested someone disenchanted with his job, even taking a swipe at one or two fellow managers in the process.
“Just because I don’t behave like a clown on the touchline it doesn’t mean I have lost my passion. I prefer to behave as I am, more mature; it’s better for myself and the team.
“You don’t have to behave like a crazy guy to be a good manager – it’s not all about what you do in front of the cameras.”
In other news Mourinho confirmed he would name a strong team to face Derby because he regards them as a Premier League-standard side.
"I'm going to play Sergio Romero because he's a top keeper and he deserves to play – he will be Argentina's goalkeeper in the summer [at the World Cup] and David de Gea needs a rest. But otherwise I will go with a strong team with first-team players."
Romelu Lukaku will be back after missing the game at Everton on Tuesday as a precaution after being concussed, and Marouane Fellaini is also available should Mourinho wish to make changes in midfield.
– Guardian
