Football
Arindam Rej, Man United Correspondent 8y

Man United's Jose Mourinho refuses to discuss Jose Fonte speculation

Jose Mourinho has dismissed Southampton's concerns about defender Jose Fonte being linked with Manchester United ahead of the two clubs facing each other on Friday.

Southampton manager Claude Puel said it is "strange" that stories about Fonte have emerged in the days leading up to their trip to Old Trafford, although he backed the Portugal international to remain professional and not be distracted by the speculation.

Fonte has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, but when asked about United's reported interest in the player in his news conference on Thursday, Mourinho replied with one line, saying: "I don't care."

Central defence is an area that United may look to strengthen, although Eric Bailly and Daley Bind impressed in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday, and Chris Smalling is back in consideration for selection after injury and suspension.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has said that the United full-backs are being given licence to attack under Mourinho.

"At times people have said maybe he [Mourinho] doesn't like his full-backs to go forward but that's not the case," Shaw told United's official website.

"He gives both full-backs that licence to go forward, obviously not at the same time, but if I have the chance then it's up to me if I want to go forward or not.

"It's not that I've got to stay put or do particular things. I've got the freedom to play and that only gives me the confidence in what I want to do to help the team."

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