Jose Mourinho's relationship with 'spoiled' Manchester United dressing room at new low after pre-match rant

The situation between players and manager is described as 'hugely difficult', with one senior player saying he's never experienced anything like it in his entire career

Jose Mourinho gave his squad a loud dressing-down in the hours before Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Southampton.

While the Portuguese's castigation of Paul Pogba has received most attention in the aftermath of that latest slip-up, as he reportedly called the midfielder a "virus", it has emerged that the Old Trafford boss ranted at his players in the hotel before the match too.

Some were described as "spoiled", although a handful were spared criticism.

It all reflects a hugely tense situation at the club again, that has seen them go three league games without a win, ahead of the visit of Arsenal on Wednesday.

Mourinho's relationship with his squad is described as "hugely difficult" right now, with one senior player saying he's never experienced anything like it in his entire career.

After the game and Mourinho's reaction, then, Pogba was said to be shaking his head and telling teammates he can't go on with this situation much longer.

The midfielder is seen as self-indulgent, and there were yet more eyes rolled about his conduct recently when his hairdresser turned up at the team hotel.

Mourinho is also now said to be at a loss as to how to deal with the French international and get the better of him, and actually texted club officials to complain that he has tried everything to no avail, from the conciliatory to the hardline.