Manchester United stars including Paul Pogba arrive for training as Jose Mourinho plans crisis talks with squad to prevent season from sliding
MANCHESTER UNITED stars including Paul Pogba arrive for training on Thursday, with Jose Mourinho planning to hold crisis talks with his squad.
Many Old Trafford stars returned to the training ground this week after time away on international duty.
But Mourinho isn't planning on a welcome home party, instead plotting to hold showdown talks with his squad ahead of a nine-player summer clear-out.
On Thursday morning, the likes of Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard all arrived at the Aon Training Complex ahead of Saturday's clash with Swansea.
Mourinho himself also arrived, being driven into Carrington, looking understandably thoughtful.
Ahead of the expected meeting, a United source said: “The staff are expecting Jose to address the entire squad today at Carrington.
“He only returned from a mini-holiday himself recently and was over there for a few days.
“He also took in the Scotland game last Friday. Only eight players remained at the club during the international break.
MOUR TO TALK Man United boss Jose Mourinho to hold clear-the-air talks with entire squad this week in bid to save season
“They had about five-days off. Too many players were rushing off when they were knocked out by Sevilla.
“A few are now expecting the manager to clarify some of his recent public criticisms. It should make for an interesting day.”
Meanwhile, Mourinho is planning a huge summer clear-out of his United flops with NINE first-team players facing the axe.
United headed to training on Thursday to prepare for Saturday's 3pm kick-off at home to Swansea.
Mourinho's men go into the game in second place in the Premier League, two points ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand, to boot.
However, the Special One will be itching to get his hands on all three points, with the massive Manchester derby up next for them.
If results go their way, Man City could be crowned Premier League champions in the derby.