Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho tells players to ‘stay at home’ if playing at Old Trafford is too much pressure

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho tells players to ‘stay at home’ if playing at Old Trafford is too much pressure
Manchester United’s underachieving players should “stay at home” if they cannot handle the pressure to perform at Old Trafford.That’s the message from manager Jose Mourinho, who appeared to be channelling his inner David Brent.Young Boys are the visitors on Tuesday evening as the Red Devils aim to book a place in the Champions League last 16 with a game to spare, a feat they will achieve should they win and Valencia fail to beat Juventus.Progress would be a welcome shot in the arm following a tepid goalless draw with struggling Crystal Palace, which left them 14 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and with a mere three wins from nine home matches in all competitions.However, Mourinho knocked back suggestions his players find it easier to play away and laughed off a suggestion that playing at Old Trafford brought added pressure ahead of facing the Swiss champions.“If you feel pressure, stay at home – and when I say home, I don’t say stadium home, I say home home and watch on TV,” Mourinho said.“If you feel pressure to play matches at home where the people come to support… come on.“I never felt pressure to play at home.”2

Jose Mourinho loves United games at Old Trafford in front of the club’s own fans

Mourinho expects a response from his side in Tuesday’s Group H encounter, having questioned some of his players’ “heart”, desire and intensity after the 0-0 draw with Palace.The United manager stopped short of using such cutting soundbites on the eve of the Young Boys encounter but shed a light on the issues he faces.“It’s frustrating because what I want is the team to start strong, is the team to go strong on the opponent, not to be waiting, not to be reactive but proactive,” Mourinho said, having also said his side are “not very good on second balls”.“That’s exactly what I want and probably you or the fans, they think ‘oh, Jose told them to start slow’, ‘Jose told them to play nice and easy and wait to see what happens’ or ‘to be losing for then to react’.“It is exactly the opposite thing. I want the team to start strong, I want the team to have a go immediately and it is a bit frustrating.”Frustrating would also aptly describe Victor Lindelof’s injury setback.2

Lindelof will miss Tuesday night’s clash with Young Boys

Recently crowned Sweden’s player of the year, the improving 24-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.But Lindelof’s resurgence after a slow start to life at United has been derailed by a muscle issue, meaning Mourinho’s remaining centre-back options are Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones.Marcos Rojo – yet to play a minute this term – is also absent for the United manager, who has made his frustration clear at the club’s failure to reinforce the defence over the summer. “(Lindelof) does the scan (Tuesday) but, by the experience of the medical department and the feelings of the player, he has a muscular problem and a muscular problem takes time,” added Mourinho, who said Lindelof would be out for “quite a while”.“I would say if we have him for the Christmas period – where we need, if possible, every player to be available for that difficult period until the Newcastle match on January 2 – if we can have Victor available for that period, it will be good.”

---

Tottenham Hotspur face another game without striker Harry Kane on Saturday with the England ace still out injured.. The 26-year-old has been absent since his challenge on Fabian Delph in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester City.
Barcelona vs Liverpool: Champions League - Google News

---

UEFA may force Chelsea to close part of Stamford Bridge in the Europa League if it finds the club's fans guilty of antisemitism. Chelsea have strongly criticised a group of supporters for singing a derogatory chant about Tottenham featuring
Chelsea face partial closure of Stamford Bridge if UEFA finds

---

Milner provided the cross for Firmino's header during the 2-1 victory, clocking up the 80th Premier League assist of his career. The delivery brings the 32-year-old level with Manchester United and England legend David Beckham in the all-time list and puts a former Liverpool great next in his sights.
Better than Beckham? Milner surpasses England great | The

---

Anthony Martial has signed a new contract with Manchester United, the club have confirmed. The 23-year-old said he is loving life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his new deal keeps him at Old
Anthony Martial signs new Manchester United contract until

---

PSG star Neymar pushing club to sign under-fire Barcelona ace Philippe Coutinho in summer transfer Neymar has urged Paris Saint-Germain to sign unsettled Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, according to reports. Coutinho, 26, has struggled to adapt to life in talkSPORT 1 week ago
Philippe Coutinho: Barcelona star damages Neymar relationship

---

Sean Cox: Brother of Liverpool fan who suffered serious injury in attack by Roma supporter says their lives have 'changed completely' Sean Cox addresses public for the first time.
~ Sean Cox: Liverpool supporter to leave hospital for first

---

Transfer news, rumours and today's football gossip | January 24, 2019 are growing concerned that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will remain at Spurs, a summer swoop for Real Madrid
Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo urging

---

LIVERPOOL fans were left in stitches as a Manchester City fan broke into the press area at the FA Cup final… to rant about Mohamed Salah. Daily Star 1 week ago: Former Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips calls for racist fans to be given life bans
Former City executive joins The Players Championship - One

---

Caen and Nantes paid tribute to their former striker Emiliano Sala during their Ligue 1 match on Wednesday. Sala's body was recovered from the wreckage of a crashed plane last week. The players

---

Tottenham want Eddie Howe as their new manager should Mauricio Pochettino leave amid interest from Manchester United. Pochettino is on United's shortlist as they seek a new permanent manager to take over at Old Trafford in the summer.
Tottenham prepare for Man Utd Mauricio Pochettino bid by

---

Manchester United defender Phil Jones reportedly emerges as a surprise transfer target for North London duo Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Jones's current contract at Old Trafford expires at the
Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal 'interested in Manchester United

---

Chelsea fans loved Eden Hazard's defence splitting pass for Belgium against Iceland. The Stamford Bridge ace's incredible vision led to Michy Batshuayi scoring the opener in the Nations League
Chelsea fans loved Eden Hazard's defence splitting pass for

---

Manchester City on alert as Rafael Benitez mulls move back to England. more exclusives, analysis and extras. I would like to receive news and stats from the Premier League,
Club ready to offer £85m-plus-player for double Chelsea

---