Jorge Mendes statement: Jose Mourinho is 'fully committed' to Manchester United

Mendes made a rare public statement to dismiss speculation surrounding Mourinho

Mourinho's agent has reaffirmed the Portuguese's commitment to Man United (Getty)

Jose Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes has taken the unusual step of releasing a statement reaffirming his client’s commitment to Manchester United.

Speculation over Mourinho’s Old Trafford future persists following a difficult start to the season, which sees United eight points back from the Premier League's top four after 15 games.

Mendes rarely comments publicly or speaks on the record, though his agency Gestifute issued a rare statement on Friday refuting suggestions that Mourinho may leave United.

“There have been more rumours of Jose Mourinho leaving Manchester United,” said Mendes, who also represents a number of high-profile players including Cristiano Ronaldo, in the statement.

“It’s totally untrue. José is very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him. He has a long-term contract with Manchester United and is fully committed to the club in building a solid winning project.”

Mourinho’s side are winless in four games, eight points off the Champions League places and 18 behind cross-town rivals City heading to the halfway point this season.

After last weekend's draw with Southampton, Mourinho told Brazilian television network that United may need a 'miracle' in order to achieve a top-four finish, their minimum objective for the season.

The Sun reported on Friday that United were prepared to pay £40m to hire Mauricio Pochettino from Tottenham and could get out of Mourinho’s contract cheaper should he fail to return the Old Trafford club to the Champions League.

United badly need a win at home to struggling Fulham this weekend but Mourinho seemed guarded in his press conference ahead of the visit from Claudio Ranieri's rejuvenated Cottagers, even though his side is technically unbeaten this month.

"I know only two days (to prepare) is not easy - Fulham are in the same situation as us but probably the way they are coming to play or try to play will not demand as much from them as us. But no excuses.

"I sat here a few weeks ago speaking about December and no defeats - that's a reality - good fights, good spirit, but just one victory against Young Boys and three draws.

"And we need points, but Fulham are the same. They need points."