Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho pleads for further forgiveness following Sunday's defeat by Chelsea

After issuing an apology in Wednesday's pre-match programme, Mourinho was seen once again pleading with the fans for forgiveness after the final whistle had been blown

Mourinho pleaded for forgiveness after Wednesday's game at Old Trafford (Getty)

Jose Mourinho really seems to have been affected by his side’s 4-0 loss to Chelsea last Sunday.

The Manchester United boss has gone to great lengths to apologise to the fans for the humiliating defeat, United’s heaviest away loss since 1999.

Writing in a special note in Wednesday's pre-match programme for the side's EFL Cup clash with Manchester City, Mourinho apologised profusely for United’s capitulation at Stamford Bridge.

But the Portuguese didn’t stop there.

After his side had secured their 1-0 victory over City in the League cup tie, courtesy of Juan Mata’s second-half goal, Mourinho was at it once again on the pitch side.

As the final whistle blew, Mourinho gestured ‘4-0’ to the home faithful before proceeding to bow his head and clasp his hands together in a plea for forgiveness.

Speaking after the game, the 53-year-old praised the club’s fans for their continued support.

“When I am in a club, my heart belongs to the fans and I felt deeply for them,” he said. “I never had people like these ones.

“We lost 4-0 and they were supporting. Today the stadium was full, not full of people but full of real support.

Mourinho signals '4-0' in reference to his side's defeat by Chelsea last Sunday (Getty)

“The love the people have for the club is bigger than bad results and bigger than three bad seasons, so we had to give something back.

But for all his contrition, forgiveness won’t come easily. Manchester United are now six points off the pace as City, Arsenal and Liverpool continue to lead the way with 20 points each.

United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford on Saturday and a convincing victory would certainly help restore further faith in Mourinho.