Jose Mourinho had lost the support of '90 per cent' of the Manchester United dressing room before his dismissal, according to a source close to the squad. The Portuguese manager was sacked on Tuesday after a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool left the club 19 points behind the Premier League leaders.
A dressing-room insider revealed that Mourinho's relationship with the players had deteriorated to the point where the vast majority wanted him out. The tipping point was reportedly the 2-2 draw against Southampton on 1 December, after which support for the manager collapsed.
Mourinho's 'tough-love' approach backfired, with several high-profile players publicly criticised. Paul Pogba, the club's record £89 million signing, was benched for the third consecutive league game at Anfield. Others, including Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly, also faced public rebukes.
The atmosphere at United's Carrington training complex had become 'toxic' in recent weeks, prompting the board to act. United confirmed Mourinho's departure in a statement, thanking him for his work and wishing him well. A caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the season while the club searches for a permanent successor.
