Come on in and join the club! Get our daily Manchester United email newsletter Sign me up! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jose Mourinho has played down suggestions that his appearance at Croatia's 1-0 win over Ukraine on Friday night was a scouting mission - instead suggesting he was escaping "the rainy weather in Manchester".

The Manchester United manager watched the World Cup qualifier and met with Predrag Mijatovic -the ex Real Madrid striker, now working as an agent.

Mijatovic has ties with Inter Milan pair Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, both of whom have been mooted as potential targets.

Perisic didn't feature in Zagreb, however Brozovic completed 90 minutes before being replaced in stoppage time by Marko Rog.

(Image: EPA) (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

United boss Mourinho is keen on strengthening his squad this summer, as the Red Devils eye a title tilt next term.

But the Portuguese has denied his trip to Croatia was a scouting mission.

Mourinho told HNTV: “I have no hidden cause, I just came to enjoy my free days and visit some friends like Predrag Mijatovic and Davor Suker.

“I know everyone believes I came to watch some players, but in football today you don’t have to travel around in order to see some players, I know all of them well.

“I came as a person that wants to relax and enjoy the nice weather, unlike the rainy weather in Manchester.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now