The mood is lightening at Old Trafford and Manchester United’s Carrington training base.
United are on a nine-match winning streak and host Liverpool on Sunday. If they beat their old rivals, they will be, at worst, three points off second place.
Jose Mourinho has, for long stretches this season, looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. The worm is turning though.
There is no surer sign of a Mourinho team doing well than the Portuguese engaging in some light-hearted chat and japes in his press conferences. So it transpired this afternoon when reporter Dom McGuinness’ mobile phone loudly rang as Mourinho was giving his thoughts on the match.
Initially looking perturbed by the interruption, Mourinho’s mood changed as he spoke to the female caller.
Abi: “Hi Dominic, it’s Abi from talkSport here…”
Jose:Â “It talkSport… it’s for you.”
Dom:Â “That shouldn’t be working like that.”
Jose:Â “Wait a second please [handing the phone over]. It’s Abi from talkSport.”
It’s no wonder Mourinho forgot what question he had been asked.
Put it on silent next time, mate! 😂 pic.twitter.com/RreuxH1vDJ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 13, 2017
was on call block. Faulty phone. # blame the tool (me)
— Dominic McGuinness (@DomMcGuinness1) January 13, 2017
It is a long way from the reaction Roy Keane had when a reporter’s phone went off when, as Ipswich Town boss, his was midway through a press briefing.
Wonder what Roy would have made of this?
