Manchester United parted ways with Mourinho back in December, choosing to axe the 56-year-old and replace him with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Portuguese’s time at Old Trafford was a mixed bag, with the Portuguese steering them to EFL Cup and Europa League titles. Manchester United also finished second in the Premier League table under Mourinho in something he described as ‘one of his finest achievements in football.’ However, he was axed in December with the Red Devils stuck in a rut and 11 points adrift of the top four.

And Pedrag Mijatovic, who is a close ally of Mourinho’s, has suggested that the blame lies at Woodward’s door. That appears to be because of his failure to hire a sporting director. "Mou is a smart guy, as well as a great coach and a great friend," Mijatovic told La Gerna. "I am sorry for what is happening lately and I also think it deserves a lot more respect than what is given to it. "In the last clubs where he has been he has found himself very alone. He has missed a sports director.

Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho was sacked by Ed Woodward in December

Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho still tasted success at Old Trafford

“People believe the sports director is a figure who only works three months in summer. It is not true. “He is a fundamental figure between the training group and the club's high levels, because there is often a need to bring the points of view of each other closer together. Someone has to mediate. "Mourinho, wherever he has been, including Real Madrid, has not had that person between the president and general manager, on the one hand, and technician and staff on the other. “You as a coach can manage the problems with the club of some players, but not 25. "You also need that person to say, 'You're wrong, mister' or to analyse with him a certain situation."

Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho is still out of work since Ed Woodward axed him