Lee Grant refutes claims Mourinho is downcast ahead of the season

Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant has denied claims Jose Mourinho is unhappy at the club, revealing the Portuguese manager is more positive behind the scenes than with the media.

Mourinho has been accused of being overly negative in press conferences during United’s pre-season tour of the US, during which they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The United boss has knocked the club’s lack of movement in the transfer market and criticised a number of players for a myriad of reasons before the season has even begun.

But Grant, who joined United from Stoke City earlier in the summer to provide competition for second-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero, insists Mourinho is bringing a positivity to the squad away from the cameras.

“From what we’re getting from the inside it [the atmosphere around the camp] has been nothing but positive,” Grant told Sky Sports.

“He’s come in even after the Liverpool game and spoken very highly of what we’ve given as a team and as a unit.”

Inevitably there have been suggestions Mourinho is on his way out of Old Trafford due to tensions regarding his current squad and a lack of signings.

But Grant believes Mourinho is doing the right things to get the players fit and motivated during United’s pre-season campaign.

The 35-year-old added: “The messages we are getting from the manager are positive ones and that is important for us going forward. His attitude and demeanour around the place is great and that is helpful for us especially when we are under-manned and we are working our hardest.

“We are well aware at this stage of the season you have got to work hard and get the minutes into the legs and that is what we are doing.”

Grant was also asked about his first-team chances at United ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, which kicks off in under two week’s time.

“I’m not under any illusions about the task I have got in front of me this season and I’m not going to sit here and say I am going to play 30 games this season,” he said.

“But when I am given the opportunity I am going to be ready and that’s all I can do.”

United face European champions Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup tomorrow at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

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