Jose Mourinho has reportedly called on Manchester United's owners to back him or sack him after stories on Friday suggested he was on the verge of the sack.
On Friday night, a story in the Mirror said that the Portugese manager would be sacked regardless of whether United beat Newcastle United on Saturday.
The stories have been denied by other sources but it seems they've prompted Mourinho to ask for some sign of support from his bosses at Old Trafford.
A report from ESPN says Mourinho has called on the club's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to make a statement on the manager's future. The story also suggests that Mourinho has been pushing for a public show of support for some weeks without success.
Mourinho's position as United boss looks increasingly insecure given their poor start to the season and continuing differences in opinion with star player Paul Pogba. During the week, their display against Valencia in the Champions League was roundly criticized and they are without a home win in all competitions since beating Leicester on the opening night of the season. They were also knocked out of the Carabo Cup by lower league opposition in Derby County.
Manchester United would face a hefty bill to get rid of Mourinho who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2020 with suggestions that the Portugese manager could receive a £20million pay-off should he be sacked. The Glazer family who control United are not known for such public displays of support so this apparent ultimatum from Mourinho is unlikely to get the cold shoulder.