Mourinho questions mental strength of United players
Jose Mourinho says he'll target "realistic" signings in the summer as he begins to whittle down those at Manchester United who don't have a winning mentality.
The Portuguese manager is over halfway through his first season with the club, and - after a run of three straight draws - is bemoaning the fact that some of his ranks are unable to shoulder the burden of expectation in Stretford.
"Playing to win, having the responsibility to win, and coping with the pressure of winning is something that has to belong to your natural habitat," Mourinho told BBC Sport's Simon Stone.
"For some guys, it doesn't."
Stone points out that a move for Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann seems a possibility despite the club denying reports that a contract had already been agreed with the player. United is also interested in reviving interest in Benfica defender Victor Lindelof, and AS Monaco's exciting defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
"I know what I want and I am very realistic," said the Portuguese, perhaps referring to previous years' ambitious pursuits for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and its Welsh forward Gareth Bale. "I know what are the impossible targets and I don't like my club to participate in them.
"It is a waste of time. It is a gift to the agents to help them improve their situation."
Experienced squad members Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ashley Young are among those touted to be heading for the Old Trafford exit but, with nine domestic title medals between them, that could sacrifice some of the winning mentality Mourinho craves.
Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford are a collection of first-team regulars yet to taste success in a domestic league or on the international scene.
Following Wednesday's 0-0 home draw with relegation-threatened Hull City, United travels to Leicester City in Sunday's Premier League programme.