Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho unveils bold new 'war' haircut

Jose Mourinho 
Jose Mourinho speaks during his Manchester United press conference  Credit: Getty Images

Jose Mourinho has revealed a bold new haircut ahead of Manchester United's EFL Cup semi-final against Hull on Thursday.

The 53-year-old faced the media on Wednesday afternoon sporting a closely cropped style as he prepares to lead his side into the business end of the season.

The Manchester United manager, who was pictured taking a nap in his car on Tuesday afternoon, joked he was able to have such a dramatic cut as his hair would grow back within a month.

Jose Mourinho 
Jose Mourinho's hair was the subject of a number of questions  Credit: Getty Images 

"The haircut is a privilege because I’m the kind of guy who can do it and in a one month I have new hair, a new wig!" Mourinho quipped.

"It’s just a privilege. Some of you can’t do it!" Mourinho joked during a light-hearted media session with journalists.

According to reports, the former Chelsea manager high-fived a bald journalist as he finished the press conference. 

This isn't the first time the Portuguese has decided to opt for such a dramatic makeover.

Jose Mourinho 
Jose Mourinho sported the short cut while at Chelsea  Credit: Getty Images 

Mourinho first opted for the number three crew-cut at the start of the 2006-7 season, saying it showed his Chelsea side were "ready to go to war."

The unique ritual proved successful as Chelsea went on to win nine of their opening 11 league games. 

During the 2012-13 season, the then Chelsea manager admitted he had used Fernando Torres' clippers to cut his hair himself.

“I did it myself. I asked Fernando [Torres] to give me his machine and I did it myself in front of the mirror," said Mourinho.

"It is nice and it is cheap. In a couple of months I will have hair again. Some people can’t do it."

Jose Mourinho 
Jose Mourinho has previously mocked Pep Guardiola for being bald  Credit: Reuters 

The makeover had the desired effect for the Portuguese as Chelsea went on to win eight of their next 10 Premier League games.

At the height of his La Liga rivalry with Pep Guardiola, the Real Madrid manager mocked the then Barcelona boss for losing his hair.

"When you enjoy what you do, you don't lose your hair, and Guardiola is bald. He doesn't enjoy football," said Mourinho.

Manchester United play Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Thursday evening with a place in the final of the EFL Cup at stake. 

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