The Portuguese insists that reports from the press have repeatedly derailed the club, notably ahead of the 3-2 win over Newcastle
Jose Mourinho says he is unhappy with the treatment he has received from the media at Manchester United, but he maintains that he will continue to take the blows to shield his players.
Prior to United’s dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle, a report in the Daily Mirror claimed that the Portuguese would be sacked regardless of the result.
Mourinho admits that such speculation was distracting for the squad, but he says it is his responsibility to distract his players from such reports.
“I think the players in that weekend we didn’t sleep in the hotel, everyone stayed at his own house, and I think the players when they woke up in the morning, from what they read, because they read and follow social media, I think the pre-match was not easy for them,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“What I can do is tell them what I keep telling them: it is my problem, to cope with it, because I am the man and let them enjoy their football the way they did against Newcastle in the second half.”
The 55-year-old concedes that he is dissatisfied with his treatment at the club, such has been the vitriol aimed at him.
“No I am not happy,” added Mourinho. “Honestly I am not happy. But if somebody has to be the man, I’d prefer it to be myself than my players.
“Yes it bothers me, because I am a man like you are.”
United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the Portuguese returning to the club where he spent two separate spells.
Mourinho has yet to win at his old club while United manager, but he insists that he is not focusing on that poor record as the game looms.
“No, not at all,” he said when asked if he was focused on ending that run.
“I never won at Newcastle, with Chelsea or Man Utd. And that’s it. I will try tomorrow, I believe we can tomorrow.”
United are currently eighth in the Premier League, seven points behind second-placed Chelsea.
The Blues, meanwhile, are level on points with Manchester City, but sit second on goal difference.