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Manchester United players and staff believe Jose Mourinho could be sacked by end of the week

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29th September 2018, London Stadium, London, England; EPL Premier League football, West Ham United versus Manchester United; Manchester Untied Manager Jose Mourinho looking disappointed (photo by John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus via Getty Images) — The Portuguese coach is running out of time to save his United career (Picture: Getty)

Manchester Uniteds players and staff openly discussed the prospect of Jose Mourinho being sacked on the journey home after Saturdays humiliating defeat to West Ham.

The Red Devils and their manager endured a disastrous week in which they drew with Wolves, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Championship side Derby County and then lost at the London Stadium.

The club now sit in 10th place, nine points adrift of the Premier League leaders, while Mourinhos relationship with his players is reaching breaking point.

29.9.18?????? Some of The Manchester United team arrive back at Wilmslow Train Station on Saturday night after their 3-1 defeat to West Ham?????? Paul Pogba, Victor Lindelof, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw all got off the train??????.. Paul Pogba with his minder/driver. — The United players travelled home by train – and discussed their managers future (Picture: Eamonn and James Clarke)

The build-up to Saturdays game was overshadowed by an altercation between Mourinho and Paul Pogba in training, while the team selection against West Ham caused further bemusement.

Now The Daily Mail report that Uniteds squad, and members of the coaching team, believe Mourinhos time is coming to an end – and he could be sacked this week.

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The United squad travelled by train back to Manchester, and their managers future – or lack of – was the primary topic of conversation.

Interestingly, Mourinho is believed to have stayed in London overnight, where his family still live, with the rest of the squad returning to Manchester without him.

Mourinho has few allies left in the changing room, with his relationship with Pogba irreparable, while he has also shocked his players by publically criticising many of them.

The self-proclaimed Special One mocked fans for wanting to see Anthony Martial in the side after an underwhelming display at the London Stadium, while Eric Bailly and Phil Jones were ridiculed in the penalty shootout defeat to Derby.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is loath to sack Mourinho and search for a new manager in the middle of the season, but he is fast running out of options.