While the 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle spared Man United embarrassment, many of their problems are yet to be resolved. Their performance needs to improve, but the alarming issue at the moment is Mourinho's relationship with his players.
A lot has been said about the manager's relationship with his men, with all fingers pointing to a falling-out with his squad. A new, more worrying claim has now emerged stating that a large portion of the Red Devils' first-team are ready to leave if the Special One stays.
As written by the Daily Mail, those 10 men are some of the clubs best players, those who are expected to deliver due to their talent even if their form hints otherwise. The biggest and most obvious name on this list is Paul Pogba. His bust-ups with the Portuguese boss are no kept secret and he reportedly wants out, favoring a move to Barcelona in January.
While inconsistency has marred his second Old Trafford stint, his undeniable talent and marketability make him a prized asset. Even if the club was to receive a generous fee for the Frenchman, losing him to a European rival for the second time would sting.
Two others considering leaving are Anthony Martial. The former Monaco starlet has endured his fair share of clashes with Mourinho. The attacker appeared to be open to extending his current deal, which expires next summer, but it is reported that it was only due to the belief that Jose would be gone soon.
David de Gea, Man United's most reliable performer in recent years, is even questioning Mourinho's reign. The Spaniard is unsure whether the team can challenge under their current gaffer and is reluctant to commit his prime years to the struggling English giant.
Luke Shaw is another player unhappy with Mourinho, with his distaste for the manager arising from the public shaming he received from his boss. He has since become a starter and has performed well despite the team's shaky defense, but the bridges have been burnt.
Eric Bailly is another name seeking an exit, while captain Antonio Valencia is considering his future after being axed from the squad. The Ecuadorian ace reportedly does not see eye-to-eye with Jose and will re-evaluate his situation this winter.
Other players who could end up leaving the club are Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Ashley Young, and Phil Jones. Those four; alongside De Gea, Martial, and Shaw; will all be free agents come this summer.
Ed Woodward thus faces a tough task to convince his players to stay on board. This will only raise further questions over the manager's future, as reconciliation appears more and more unlikely.
