Mourinho hails United late show as tribute to birthday boy Ferguson

United goalkeeper David de Gea added: “It was a great comeback for the team, this is the Manchester United everyone knows, when you are losing 1-0 with 10 minutes to go you score two great goals”.

“The commercial point of view is also important, but I would say play the insane Christmas period but after it has finished, give us a break”.

The late turnaround – reminiscent of the glory years of the watching Alex Ferguson on his 75th birthday – sealed United’s fifth consecutive Premier League victory and they are now unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions.

The France global produced an impressive performance on just his eighth Premier League start of the 2016-17 season under new manager Jose Mourinho.

“It is getting better every single day and I think that is showing in the way we are playing, because some of the football we have produced in recent weeks has been very good”.

Pepe himself has said that “people hated us” at Madrid, when Mourinho was in charge, and there is a risk of that happening again should he arrive at United.

Despite his reputation for bad behaviour, Pepe is generally not as reckless these days and those who know him speak about how he can be a relaxed figure off the pitch.

“Anthony has to listen to me and not his agent”, he quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Middlesbrough seemed determined to hold on but eventually, United’s dominance proved too much. “To be honest I was very exhausted and they gave me something else, another breath and I think that’s why I scored”.

The result kept Man United 13 points back of leaders Chelsea, though it leaves Karanka’s Teesiders just four points above the relegation zone.

“Middlesbrough is the next game and the next game you play to try to win”, the 53-year-old told reporters on Friday when asked whether he would change his starting line-up. When I have the feeling and information that the player probably has a big chance to leave then I have to care more about the others.

When Jose Mourinho was appointed as new manager this summer, there was hope that Memphis could kick-start his United career. “So I can imagine that next season for Paul will be top”. “They can be very proud”.