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MOUR-NING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE

Manchester United’s players have the night to themselves before facing Leicester as Jose Mourinho tells them to only meet at the hotel in the morning

Old Trafford heroes meet at The Lowry on matchday as boss allows the Premier League leaders to stay at home

MANCHESTER UNITED'S superstars looked raring to go as they met up at The Lowry Hotel this morning as part of Jose Mourinho's new laidback policy for matchdays.

The Old Trafford boss has ditched United's long-standing policy of meeting at the Salford venue the night before games.

So the Premier League leaders prepared to host Leicester City this evening by relaxing at home last night.

Jesse Lingard was all smiles and Juan Mata waved to fans as United were welcomed by hotel staff.

Mourinho will knwo it is far too early to say if his new approach is one reason United have settled so well this season.

But he has shown on the field this summer, with big-money signings like £75million Romelu Lukaku, and a regular place for teenager Marcus Rashford, that he is happy to make radical changes.

And now he has ended a tradkiton started by former chief Alex Ferguson of meeting at The Lowry on the night before.

Mourinho will monitor his new policy, checking no players break firm rules on prep-match behaviour and preparations.

But the ex-Chelsea manager believes his stars will respond well to the trust shown in them, increasing the growing bond between him and them in his second season.

All this in in stark contrast the the routine of Mourinho's predecessor, Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman was knwon for his rigorous guidelines.

And many observers felt was reflected in United's often-turgid performances under Gaal, lacking the flair and freedom of Fergie's peak teams.


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