Jose Mourinho has told his pampered Manchester United stars they must prove to him they can motivate themselves.

United go into Sunday’s lunchtime Premier League clash at Watford on the back of two defeats and needing a win to get their season back on track.

Mourinho’s players went down 1-0 at Dutch side Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday, following their 2-1 derby defeat to local rivals Manchester City last weekend.

And the self-styled Special One has told his players they should have enough desire to produce their best on the pitch, with the millions they earn and lavish lifestyles they lead away from football.

United have had a bad week, losing the derby at home... (
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Getty)
...then going down by the only goal in Rotterdam... (
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Getty)
...in their Europa League group stage opener (
Image:
Getty)

“I always say that the best motivation you can have is your own motivation,” said Mourinho.

“I always feel that my job is that I am an extra source of motivation, but the motivation belongs to the player.

“And if the players at this age need motivating, with the great life, the money they have to do what they want... I think they shouldn’t need an extra source of motivation. That belongs to themselves.

In pictures — United arrive back in Manchester after losing in Holland:

“So I believe on Sunday they will try to win the match and give everything, and I will just try to help.”

Mourinho also stated United’s players cannot pick and choose the games in which they perform, insisting they must give their all in every match they play.

“I think United has to show in every game and every competition,” said the former Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss.

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“The club is too big and the supporters are too passionate for the professionals not to feel that every game is a very important game.

“So I don’t think they should need a defeat - or in this case two defeats - to try to give everything they have to give.

“It should belong to them and that’s what I expect from them – that on Sunday we will try to win the match normally.”

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