Jose Mourinho would have quit Manchester United by now if he was at any other club, according to reports.The Portuguese is upset over what he views as a lack of backing from executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
And sources claim he has “told friends he would have walked out in protest” if he was working anywhere else but Old Trafford.
Mourinho was furious over Woodward’s failure to provide him with reinforcements this summer after identifying his top targets months ago.
And the ex-Chelsea boss, entering his third season in charge of the Red Devils, feels the miserable transfer window has undermined his chances of overthrowing neighbours Man City to win the title.
Mourinho was desperate for a new centre-back but is stuck with what he had after failed moves for Leicester’s Harry Maguire, Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin.
Despite the 55-year-old’s fury he remains determined to bring success back to United and even signed a new two-year contract extension in January after speculation over his future.
But Woodward’s reluctance to splash out on a defender has caused a major issue between the two men.
The powerbroker and Mourinho’s relationship has now become strained after only three new arrivals, despite the manager’s insistence he needed much more in order to seriously challenge City.
Brazilian international midfielder Fred was the only major arrival at United for £52m.
Teenage full-back Diogo Dalot joined in a £19m move from Porto while veteran goalkeeper Lee Camp came in as back-up from Stoke to round-off United’s business.
It was not just defence that Mourinho wanted to strengthen. Mourinho’s anger has been well documented and it is reported he privately told friends he would have walked out in protest. He has rarely made it past the third season of a club he has managed, with fractious relationships often contributing to his downfall.