Jose Mourinho Says It Would Be Too Expensive for Manchester United to Sack Him

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said he believes it would be too expensive for the club to sack him.

Following an inconsistent beginning to the Premier League campaign, rumours have swirled about the Portuguese's position at Old Trafford, but Mourinho lifted some of the pressure on him with a 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday.

Speaking to La Repubblica and Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Paul Hirst of the Times) following the victory, Mourinho said he doesn't fear the sack as United would have to pay out a massive amount.

"They say I'm in danger, but I don't think it," he said. "If they send me away, do you have any idea how much money they would have to give me?"

In January, the United boss agreed a new contract with the club, extending his stay by a year until 2020. However, a frustrating summer and successive Premier League losses against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur cast scrutiny on his position at the club.

Despite the poor start, United were able to respond with a professional performance at Turf Moor. Per Liam Canning, it appears as though the Red Devils fanbase remain behind their manager:

A brace from Romelu Lukaku did the damage for United on Sunday to ensure they sit on six points after four games. It was imperative they picked up a victory, especially with Liverpool and Chelsea setting a strong pace, winning all four of their games. United next play at Watford—the other 4-0-0 club—on Sept. 15.

Mourinho will be hoping the display is one the team can build on, although problems still remain within the setup.

While United were able to keep a clean sheet last time out, Burnley were comfortably the most toothless team they've played this season. Classier attackers from Leicester, Brighton and Spurs have pulled apart the defensive shape at times.

In addition, Paul Pogba also had a penalty saved against the Clarets, while Marcus Rashford was issued a red card following a tangle with Phil Bardsley, meaning he will miss the next three matches due to suspension. 

Even so, as noted by Rob Dawson of ESPN.com, there is potential for the win to represent something of a turning point for the team:

At the moment Mourinho does appear secure in his job, as he has time remaining on his contract and the backing of a core of the support.

Still, things can change quickly in football and a couple of poor results playing stodgy football would ramp up the pressure on the Portuguese again—especially if rivals Manchester City and Liverpool continue to thrive while playing an enterprising style.