Jose Mourinho to travel to Spanish court on Friday as tax fraud case disrupts Manchester United’s preparations for Chelsea clash
The 54-year-old has been accused of defrauding tax authorities of £2.9million during his spell in charge of Real Madrid
JOSE MOURINHO is due to appear in a Spanish court just over 48 hours before United take on Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Reds boss has been summoned to answer tax fraud allegations on Friday.
He is expected to attend the hearing in the Pozuelo de Alarcon region of the Spanish capital at 10am.
Mourinho has been accused of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of £2.9million during his spell in charge of Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
The 54-year-old allegedly failed to declare profits from image rights.
However, the United boss insists that he has fully complied with the country's tax laws and denies any wrongdoing.
He will be represented in court by Jose Antonio Choclan - who also now represents Cristiano Ronaldo.
United have been forced to bring forward the bosses pre-match press conference by 24 hours - it will now take place on Thursday.
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Mourinho's right-hand man Rui Faria and his coaching staff will be in charge of the squad while the 54-year-old is away.
The players could be required to train later than normal on Friday afternoon before travelling to London on Saturday, according to ESPN.
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United are set to face Mourinho's former club on Saturday, but he is suffering a huge midfield crisis ahead of the clash.
The Special One will be looking to avenge the 4-0 defeat that he suffered on his return to Stamford Bridge in October.
United are currently second in the Premier League standings, two places and four points above Antonio Conte's side.