Jose Mourinho's Agent Refutes Rumours About Manager Leaving Manchester United

Jorge Mendes has issued a statement to refute rumours his client Jose Mourinho is set to leave his post as Manchester United manager, saying the tactician is "fully committed" to the role at Old Trafford.

Mourinho is under increasing pressure for results after United have failed to win four Premier League matches in a row, but Mendes said the following through his agency, Gestifute (h/t The Independent's Mark Critchley):

"There have been more rumours of Jose Mourinho leaving Manchester United. It's totally untrue. Jose is very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him. He has a long-term contract with Manchester United and is fully committed to the club in building a solid winning project."

United are eighth in the Premier League more than a third of the way through the season, and they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Derby County on penalties. Mourinho's men have secured their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League but look likely to finish second to Juventus in their group.

What's more, the club has already lost three times at home this term—the same number of home losses they suffered over the course of the previous campaign.

The most common criticism of Mourinho in the role has perhaps been in reference to the style of play he's preferred at United, and Eurosport's Tom Adams used Thor to illustrate the mood of some fans:

Journalist Carl Anka said morale wouldn't be improved by Mourinho's agent's statement:

Mendes—who also counts five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo among his clientele—appeared to suggest Mourinho has long-term plans for his United "project," though he is more than two years into the role.

Since the summer of 2016, United have spent around £360 million on transfer fees—not including Alexis Sanchez's arrival in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan join Arsenal—and many had anticipated results would be much improved.

His relationship with £89 million club-record signing Paul Pogba, whom he stripped of the club's vice-captaincy earlier this season, is also understood to be strained.

United and Mourinho have a chance to make a statement at home to bottom side Fulham on Saturday, but ESPN FC's Mark Ogden noted the manager's comments during the buildup reminded him of one failed predecessor in particular:

After Fulham's visit, the Red Devils face tough trips to Valencia and Liverpool, two fixtures that could have a big impact on just how long the manager remains in charge.

Mendes' word isn't final, and the club may disagree with the sentiment he's put forward, but Mourinho's agent seems assured all parties concerned are content with his client's work for now.