Jose Mourinho had joked he has to push Ander Herrera away because the Manchester United midfielder always wants a chat with his manager.
Herrera irked Mourinho last month when the Spaniard admitted he and his team-mates lacked desire in the shock 2-1 loss.
Mourinho roasted his players publicly after the loss and reports claimed he was giving the cold shoulder to a few first-team stars.
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But, the United boss rubbished those stories ahead of his side’s game against Chelsea and says he only pushes Herrera away because he is always pestering him with questions.
‘I am happy here – and I love my players,’ said Mourinho.
‘You try to create a story because of my words after defeat at Huddersfield – but there is no story.
‘I was not speaking with Ander Herrera any more? Ander Herrera is the kind of player I have to push him away because he wants to speak with me all the time!
‘I don’t know where they get these kinds of stories. So yes, I am happy.
‘It has just been a difficult week. Big matches, injuries, tiredness…but that is just normal.’
Manchester United 2017/18 Fixtures
Chelsea (A) – Sun 5 Nov
Newcastle United (H) – Sat 18 Nov
Basel (A) – Wed 22 Nov (Champions League)
Brighton (H) – Sat 25 Nov
Watford (A) – Tue 28 Nov
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Mourinho takes his side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in a massive game against Chelsea.
The Red Devils could cut the gap at the top of the table to two points should they beat the defending Premier League champions.
Chelsea are in desperate need of a boost on the back of a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Roma.
Antonio Conte’s side cannot afford to fall further behind in the title race with eleven points currently separating them and the leaders, Manchester City.
Mourinho has a point to prove at his old club after Conte won the the title in his first season as Chelsea boss.
MORE: Jose Mourinho wants massive pay rise as Jorge Mendes plans Manchester United talks
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