THE main man strode in purposefully and claimed the stories about him were fake news.
Or to use the exact term coined in this instance “garbage news”.
The media listened intently as he dismissed reports his controversial reign could come to an abrupt end in the next few months — then vowed to remain in charge of this superpower for a long time to come.
This was not a Donald Trump public appearance, though, this was Jose Mourinho talking ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with Derby tonight.
Claims that cracks were starting to appear and he could leave Old Trafford at the end of the season had clearly got to him — and, boy, did he come out fighting.
Mourinho arrived more than ten minutes early — almost as if there was something he wanted to say.
The fact his huge shadow could be seen on the wall as he made his way to his seat only added to the sense of theatre.
Just like when the President of the USA speaks, there are some who will not believe a word of it.
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The history books tell us what normally happens with the Special One — and next year will be his third in charge.
Yet in just over 15 minutes of vintage Mourinho box office, he certainly did not sound like a man who could be heading for the exit door in May.
He talked about his wish to become a United icon, his plan to build for the future and even his “lazy” life in the Lowry Hotel.
There was also a little dig in the ribs for his rivals and the United hierarchy. You would not expect him to pass up that opportunity!
And he tore into suggestions his United tenure was starting to turn sour.
Mourinho said: “The worst thing anyone can do to myself, is not to say I am a bad manager, or I am under-performing or made a mistake in this game or that game.
“The worst thing someone can do is put one inch of doubt into my professionalism, in my dedication to my club, to my job, to my players.
“So, yes, the garbage news affected me just on this aspect because it’s something I don’t admit.”
United’s boss looked shocked to be asked if he still has the hunger to succeed, replying with a cheeky swipe at some of his managerial rivals.
He added: “Because I don’t behave as a clown on the touchline does that mean I’ve lost my passion?
“I prefer the way I do it, much more mature, better for my team and myself. You don’t have to behave like a crazy guy on the touchline.
“The way a person is dedicated to his work is not what you do in front of the cameras.”
Mourinho went on to say he is as committed as ever to making a success of it at Old Trafford and how he wants to stay for the long-term.
His critics will point to the fact he rarely stays anywhere longer than three years but he talked about writing his name into United folklore.
He said: “My past is Chelsea and my present is Manchester United and hopefully my future is Manchester United, too.
“The difference now between Chelsea and United is that I really belong to Chelsea history.
“I won three Premier Leagues, cups, I won lots of things. I have a history there and here my history is someone who works hard every day.
“We won the only competition the club had never won. everyone knows the Europa League is not the El Dorado of football.
“But I’ve come here in a moment where it’s more difficult to make history.”
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The fact Mourinho is still living at the Lowry Hotel in Salford Quays 18 months after taking over merely adds to the impression he is just passing through.
Not so, according to the Portuguese coach and he will not be moving into his own home any time soon by the sounds of it.
He added: “If the fans want me to be comfortable, that’s the way I feel comfortable.
“I am very lazy. I don’t want anyone to worry because I’m not living in a two-metre square room.
“If they want me to be in a house that I don’t like, lonely, away from my assistants, then I would be a sad guy — and sad guys don’t work well.”
But not everything in the garden is rosy.
Mourinho made a pointed reference to the fact he has been unimpressed with the system in place for United to carry out their transfer business.
Asked if the job was what he expected, he replied: “Help, yes. commitment, yes. Conditions in place is a different thing, but it’s part of my job to create conditions.
“If a manager leaves a club one day without big success but creates conditions for the next one to have success, that’s an important part of the job.
“I’m trying to work for the future of the club, not just myself.”
It may be quite a while until his successor reaps the benefit, though, because Mourinho is staying at United for the long-term . . . isn’t he?
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