The Red Devils boss is said to have called for greater focus from his squad after learning of an ill-advised hotel visit prior to the 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge
Jose Mourinho was left fuming with certain members of his Manchester United squad after they paid for a hair stylist to visit the club’s hotel ahead of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, according to the Daily Mirror.The contest at Stamford Bridge was Mourinho’s first in west London since being relieved of his managerial duties by Roman Abramovich in December 2015.Returning to coaching at a Premier League rival, the Portuguese tactician would have been hoping to enjoy a productive return to familiar surroundings.Goal 50: The best footballers of 2016Instead, his Blues reunion turned into something of a nightmare, with the tone set for a torrid afternoon as United conceded inside the opening 60 seconds.Mourinho was understandably disappointed with the showing of his players, with his frustration also taken out on opposite number Antonio Conte at the final whistle.His mood is then said to have been soured further by the news that certain members of his playing staff took their eye off the ball during pre-game preparations.According to the Mirror, four senior players – including Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero – organised for a hair dresser to travel down from Manchester the day before the Chelsea encounter.
Focus and commitment to the collective cause are two of the qualities Mourinho prides himself on most and as such, he demands the same from those around him.To have discovered that senior stars were allowing their minds to wander towards trivial matters so close to an important top-flight fixture did not go down well with the United boss.He is said to have chastised his squad after being informed of the incident, with those words coming on the back of a stinging post-match dressing down.'Man Utd must stick with Mourinho'Those in question are reported to have been reminded of their responsibilities and the need to avoid potential distractions in the pursuit of precious Premier League points.United have struggled for consistency this season, with rather erratic efforts so far having left them perched in sixth spot in the English top-flight table.They are eight points off the title pace at present, and six adrift of the top four.Full dedication will be required from all concerned if those respective gaps are to be closed, with it vital that everyone pulls in the same direction in order for ultimate targets to be hit.