Jose Mourinho has claimed some of his Manchester United players “care more than others” over their poor start to the season.
United’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham United was their third in seven Premier League games and equalled their worst start to a campaign for 29 years.
While denying he was worried about his job security, Mourinho claimed that he felt the reaction to the problems on the field contrasted among his squad.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Uefa Champions League Group H game with Valencia at Old Trafford, the United manager said: “Every player is different, no player is the same.
“I see different reactions, but sometimes what you see is different from the inside”I see some people on the outside look like they haven’t lost a game, but in training they are working hard.”
When asked if he was accusing some players of not being bothered by the difficult opening to the campaign, he added: “I think that some care more than others.”
Saturday’s defeat to West Ham came after they had been knocked out of the League Cup by Championship side Derby County in midweek.
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United are 10th in the table and are already nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Left-back Luke Shaw had said after the game against West Ham that the loss was “awful” and “horrendous” and that the players have to take responsibility.
Mourinho echoed that view and said everyone pulling together was the key element to the club finding their form and returning to winning ways.
He said: “It’s the responsibility of everybody,” he added. “The performance is the consequence of many factors. I agreed with some of what Luke Shaw said, I like that perspective but I don’t agree totally.
“It’s all of us. Everybody in the club has a role to play, the kit man and the nutritionist.”
Mourinho is confident that his future as United manager is not in jeopardy despite the poor results.
No, I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he feared being removed from his role by United’s board.
“What I can do to improve things I do and I will improve the things that depend on me and my work.”
Tonight’s match at Old Trafford could be a good opportunity for United to bounce back against a Valencia side who have one win in eight matches in all competitions this season, although that came against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
United go into the game depleted as Ashley Young picked up an injury during the loss at West Ham, while Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard are also sidelined.
Midfielder Nemanja Matic said the West Ham defeat was one of his worst games for United and he expected an immediate reaction.
“Everyone has a responsibility,” he said. “We have spoken between us and we know the situation is not good and we can do better. Everyone is trying to do more for the team.
“Tomorrow is a great chance to do that against a big team. I expect everyone will give more and be more concentrated.”
United won their opening game in the Champions League last month against Young Boys and another victory will boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Mourinho said: Everybody wants to play Champions League and not everybody can do it. We are here and we have the chance to play a big match.”
