Manchester United to Discuss Jose Mourinho Complaints at Fans' Forum

Manchester United will reportedly discuss manager Jose Mourinho's complaints about the atmosphere at Old Trafford at the club's next fans' forum.

According to Mike Whalley of the Express, following Mourinho's comments about United fans being quiet in Saturday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, the club will address the issue on February 23 when the next quarterly forum is held.

Goal UK shared the Portuguese's comments on the issue, in which he unfavourably compared the atmosphere to Portsmouth's Fratton Park:

It is not the first time Mourinho has been critical of the Old Trafford faithful this season. The manager was unhappy with the support given to Romelu Lukaku by fans during United's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

In his pre-match programme notes ahead of the following game with Benfica, he said, per football writer Andy Mitten: "I hope that you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham."

Sam Wallace of the Telegraph told Sunday Supplement that Mourinho has a point about the atmosphere at Old Trafford:

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News is in agreement and explained one of the factors contributing to the issue:

The decision to place the problem on the agenda also follows a recent meeting between board members and the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST).

Per the Press Association's Simon Peach, MUST—who invited Mourinho to talk about his concerns with them following the Benfica game—shared in a statement the issues that were discussed at the meeting:

Given United's decline under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, Red Devils fans have had relatively little to cheer about in recent years. Even now under Mourinho, with the club back on the right track, their football is often a far cry from the heyday of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford is an ongoing problem that dates back to the Scot's days, though, and it does not just affect United; from prohibitive ticket prices to the availability of televised matches, top-flight football in England has moved away from catering to those in the stadium.

Although it may be controversial for a manager to make the point, it makes a refreshing change from the hollow platitudes usually aimed at fans.

It will take a concerted effort from United and other clubs to address the issue, but if more high-profile figures speak out, it could lead to action being taken.