The dull, risk averse brand of football United were widely accused of playing under Mourinho’s predecessor, Louis van Gaal, was as much a factor in the Dutchman’s dismissal in May after two seasons in charge as the club’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League. Van Gaal’s reign was said to have “clearly run its course”, even though United finished the campaign by winning the FA Cup.

But Mourinho’s paymasters believe the former Chelsea manager is presiding over a marked uplift in performance terms, even if a run of just two wins from the past 11 league matches has already left the club facing a battle to finish in the top four, and are confident results will improve as a consequence.

“The club have been encouraged by what they’re seeing in performance terms,” a source said. “There’s confidence results will improve as that performance level continues to improve.”