JOSE MOURINHO has turned Manchester United back into title contenders by becoming the club joker around the training around.
The United boss realised soon after arriving at Old Trafford that the fun had been stripped out of the players by former manager Louis van Gaal.
So on top of his usual method of meticulous planning he has become the court jester at the club – mocking himself and the players in an effort to build a better team spirit.
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Mourinho leaves print-outs of embarrassing pictures of his squad around the club’s Aon Training Centre, leading to high levels of mickey-taking among the players.
He and coach Rui Faria have developed a double-act leading the dressing room banter – and the United side has responded.
They teamed up ahead of a team meeting just before Christmas to perform a comedy sketch with Mourinho brandishing an oversize yellow phone and Faria wearing a plastic police helmet.
Now the team looks happy in training and matches, playing with far more freedom and understanding of each other than in the first few weeks of the season.
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And Mourinho himself is not spared be targeted – with the Mail claiming even dodgy pics of him have been spotted around the Carrington training complex.
It has led to all the players increasing their trust and respect for the manager – something shown in public by the way Marouane Fellaini rushed to celebrate his goal in the EFL Cup win over Hull with his manager.
United star Juan Mata said: "In terms on confidence and the mentality we are showing it is also the best time since I have been here.
"He has changed. It is a different environment, club and squad."
United are now on a run of six straight wins in the Premier League and are back in the race for the title.
They entertain rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday knowing victory will not only move them within two points of Jurgen Klopp's side, but will also send a statement of intent to the other sides aiming to be crowned champions.
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