Paul Merson is the latest pundit to lend his support to under-fire Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, turning his anger on the players who he branded "an absolute joke".
Reports suggest Mourinho could be sacked this weekend - even if United beat Newcastle on Saturday night. Former United defender Gary Neville was visibly shocked when he was told that the Portugese boss could be on his way and he delivered a stinging assessment of the club's power brokers.
Pundits have been queuing up to have their say on Mourinho and the current situation at Old Trafford and the latest was former Arsenal and Aston Villa player Merson. Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, Merson said: "I wouldn't sack him. You've got a serial winner there.
"I think the players are embarrassing and there's ways of losing football matches. He (Mourinho) probably hasn't helped it along the way. But if you've got a problem with the manager, have it Monday to Friday. When you step out onto the pitch on Saturday you're playing for the biggest club in the world of football. You're playing for some of the best supporters in the world who go everywhere and sell out everywhere they go. You've got to give your all."
Mourinho's tenure at Old Trafford has looked increasingly fragile after a poor start to the season in all competitions. They are without a win at home in the Premier League since the opening night of the season when they saw off Leicester City.
Paul Merson has defended Jose Mourinho, saying he deserves to stay as @ManUtd manager despite reports he is set to lose his job.
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