Jose Mourinho: Manchester United fires ‘The Special One’ after worst ever Premier League start

Manchester United has fired Jose Mourinho following the club’s worst ever Premier League start.

The club currently languishes in sixth place in the league, 19 points behind leaders Liverpool after Sunday’s insipid 3-1 defeat at Anfield.

Visit CNN/com/sport for more news, features and videos

A temporary caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season while the club searches for his successor.

During Jose Mourinho's coaching career the third season in charge of the clubs he has managed has always provided tricky ...

With United trailing English Premier League leaders Liverpool by 19 points, Mourinho was fired by United on Tuesday.

The final straw for United's decision makers was the club's 3-1 defeat at rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

For a club that has won 20 league titles, the 2018/2019 season has been United's worst ever Premier League start.

During the season there's been reported friction between Mourinho and United's star player Paul Pogba. The World Cup winner was one of United's unused substitutes in the defeat by Liverpool.

One of the criticisms that Mourinho has faced during his Old Trafford tenure is the style of football his team has played. While Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have delivered stylish brands of football, Mourinho's United hasn't been very entertaining to watch.

In October, stewards at Stamford Bridge had to hold back Mourinho after he was incensed by a member of the home team's support staff — Marco Ianni — crossing into the United technical area.

Mourinho gestures to the crowd after United beat Juventus in a Champions League group stage game. United's qualification for the competition's knockout stages has been the one silver lining this season.

United will face Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 round of the Champions League.

During Mourinho's first season in charge at Old Trafford, United won the League Cup as well as the Europa League. Here Mourinho is pictured celebrating the Europa League final win against Ajax in Stockholm.

Jose Mourinho: The Manchester United years

Prev Next

“The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future,” a statement said.

READ: Zinedine Zidane – The right man to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United?

Mourinho had been in charge at Old Trafford for two and a half years, winning the Europa League and League Cup in his first season at the club.

But United’s tally of 26 points after 17 games is its worst at this stage since the 1990-91 season, before the inception of the Premier League.

Mourinho’s future had been under severe scrutiny after several dismal performances, despite signing a 12-month contract extension less than a year ago.

United has won just once in its previous six Premier League matches, including draws against struggling Southampton and Crystal Palace.

The 55-year-old has been involved in several public spats with players during his tenure, most notably with Paul Pogba who Mourinho has singled out for criticism on several occasions this season.

Video Ad Feedback

Jose Mourinho eyes Man Utd job back in 2012

01:08 - Source: CNN

READ: Manchester United faces tough Champions League draw against PSG

READ: Xherdan Shaqiri double sinks Manchester United as Liverpool tops Premier League

Their tense relationship came to a head in September when the pair were filmed arguing during an open training session.

Pogba, a key member of France’s World Cup winning squad, was left on the bench for United’s defeat to Liverpool.

Following the 2-2 draw to Southampton earlier this month, it was widely reported Mourinho had called Pogba a “virus” in the squad.

Third season syndrome