Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho becomes the 'Generous One' by giving up business class seats for his players

United arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday morning after chartering a private plane to carry the 100-strong club party from Manchester to the Far East

Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United pose before flying to China (Getty)

Jose Mourinho became the ‘Generous One’ on Manchester United’s flight to China by taking a seat in economy in order to ensure all of his players were able to take advantage of the flat beds in business class.

United arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday morning after chartering a private plane to carry the 100-strong club party from Manchester to the Far East.

But with just 30 business class beds available, Mourinho gave up his seat in order to join his coaching staff in economy on the Aeroflot jet during the eleven hour flight.

Mourinho, who launched his career as United manager with a 2-0 victory against League One champions Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium last Saturday, will step up his team’s preparations for the new season with a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on Friday evening.

United then travel to Beijing to face neighbours Manchester City in the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Monday before then encountering Galatasaray in Gothenburg next week – a game that is likely to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic make his debut for the club.