Mourinho likely to be Sacked from United

Former Red Devils defender Paul Parker believes a change in the dugout is required at Old Trafford in order to bring about a reversal in fortune

Manchester United need to part with Jose Mourinho because he is “pulling the players down” at Old Trafford, says Paul Parker.

The outspoken coach has never been afraid of airing his opinion, particularly when he finds himself backed into a corner.

He has had to come out fighting at the start of 2018-19, with United off to their worst start to a Premier League season in 26 years.

A frustrating summer in the transfer market, along with ongoing talk of in-house rifts, has started to impact on results, leading some to call for change.

Parker is among those who believe something must be done to turn the tide, with the former United defender telling talkSPORT: “There has been so much poor football.

“Performances have been poor and too many people are out there saying he is a winner and it is just about winning. Manchester United are not just about winning.

“They’re about a style, the manner they win in. It is about a swagger. They are not doing that any more. That has been taken away from them, that has been virtually coached out of them.

“There is no self expression any more, they do not improvise. You are paying players millions and millions and still trying to control them. That does not make sense for a club like Manchester United.

“At the end of the day, Manchester United have to change. Their style of play is not going to change while Jose Mourinho is in charge. It is the way in which he manages which is pulling the players down.”

If Mourinho is on borrowed time, then there are plenty of high-profile candidates ready to step into his shoes.

It is, however, expected that he will be given time to get things right, having only committed to a new contract in January.

His next chance to kick-start United’s season will arrive on Sunday when the Red Devils make the short trip to Burnley.