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Nemanja Matic has insisted Manchester United’s players have to “take responsibility” for Jose Mourinho getting the sack.

Matic revealed he has spoken to Mourinho after his departure and is regarded as one of the few players who stayed loyal to the Portuguese manager.

But while other United players have made it clear they are relieved to see the back of Mourinho, United midfielder Matic says he believes the players are to blame for his demise.

When quizzed whether the players must take responsibility, Matic said: “Of course. I said this also after the Liverpool game, that we have to take responsibility and do our best to play better and to win games.

“I don’t know (what changed at Cardiff). This is the question no-one has an answer to but we are sure this is the way to continue, to fight and we will try to do it.

(Image: 2018 Getty Images)

“This is football. In football this happens. We know also it’s not only the manager’s fault when the results are not good.

"But this is football and we have to carry on, to fight for the club.”

(Image: 2018 Getty Images) (Image: Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images)

United defender Luke Shaw, who had a turbulent time under Mourinho, also insisted the outgoing manager deserved more respect what he achieved at United.

Shaw added: “It’s not very nice when something as big as that happens at the club but we all as players and as a team need to show respect.

"People might be quick to forget what Jose did for United, with the three trophies. He did a lot.

“One of the trophies (Europa League) was one we hadn’t won before. He took us to three trophies in sort of one season.

"So people need to respect him and remember what he did, not only for us as a team to win those trophies but for the fans as well.”