Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has axed the club’s ball boys at Old Trafford and replaced them with players from the academy.
The Red Devils’ head coach was not impressed with how slow the ball boys – which were picked by the Manchester United Foundation – got the action going again.
According to the Daily Mirror, Mourinho changed the system and stopped the foundation sending through ball boys for last week’s game against Liverpool.
Instead, the Portuguese chose to bring in players from the academy as he believes they understand the game more and will get balls back into play quicker during games.
A United insider said: “The manager wasn’t happy with what was on offer before from the ball boys and girls. He wanted a much slicker operation — especially when United are on the attack or time is running out.
“He felt by bringing in lads from the Academy teams — boys who understand the nuances of the game and the urgency of certain occasions, it would help speed up play at crucial moments.
“Of course, people may speculate whether opponents are given the same courtesy if they are on the attack or chasing the game.”
Mourinho wants the ball to be recycled back onto the pitch a lot quicker in order to keep up his side’s attacking tempo against stubbor defences, which has been a big problem for United this season.
United’s performances and results may have improved but they have won just three of their last eight league matches at Old Trafford – drawing the other five.
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