Jose Mourinho is criticised because of his character and not Manchester United's results, says Zlatan Ibrahimovic

A torrid start to the season and escalating tensions off the pitch have left the Portuguese's future at Old Trafford uncertain

Jose Mourinho is being criticised because of his divisive personality rather than Manchester United’s results, according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

United’s torrid start to the season – they lie eighth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City after suffering three defeats in their first eight games – has left Mourinho’s immediate future at Old Trafford in doubt.

Mourinho claimed there is a “manhunt” against him after United came from two goals down to beat struggling Newcastle at Old Trafford prior to the October international break, and LAFC striker Ibrahimovic insists that the Portuguese’s critics are motivated more by personal dislike than the record of his team.

“Everybody criticises Mourinho and I don't think it's because of the results, it's because of the character, because of the way he is,” Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports News.

“I see myself also a little bit in that situation – we have our confidence, we believe in things, we say certain things. In our own way.

“Of course we get the blame, we get criticised more when it is not going good, but when it is going good and we win the satisfaction is bigger than the other ones that are political, think they're perfect, and want to be no trouble for the media so the media never attacks them.

Jose Mourinho believes he is the victim of a "manhunt" (Getty)

“That is not us, we are ourselves, we believe in what we do and we do it until the end.

“Some critics I feel personal, some critics are exaggerating, some because of the way he is, some because of jealousy. But all this is part of the circle.”

Mourinho met with the United board during the international break and has been granted a stay of execution ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to take on former club Chelsea, with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Italian giants Juventus set to visit Old Trafford in the Champions League three days later.

Those two games could be decisive for Mourinho but, regardless of whether or not he survives at United, Ibrahimovic does not believe his former boss should change his ways.

“Mourinho just has to keep being himself, stand up for what he is doing, stand up for what he is,” Ibrahimovic added. “He is there because he did it his own way, because he is who he is and don't change for anybody.

“I am exactly the same, I don't change for anybody. Everyone out there who thinks they are perfect, they are the biggest problem out there.”