Jose Mourinho could be about to offer a lifeline to three out of form Man United stars

The fringe trio, who many had expected to be on their way out from Old Trafford, have allegedly been given the opportunity to impress during United’s pre-season and could yet remain at the club, the Daily Mail reports.

Having initially been shunned by Mourinho back in 2014, Mata looked set to endure a similar fate this time. The Portuguese coach had favoured Oscar above the Spaniard during his second stint in charge at Chelsea and subsequently sold Mata to United for £37.1m.

But while Mata may not be the multi-functional footballer Mourinho covets, he is now expected to remain at the club.

After settling well at Manchester, the news will come as a relief to the 28-year-old midfielder who has even opened a tapas restaurant in the city alongside his father.

The players themselves, who have allegedly grown very fond of their Spanish teammate, will be delighted by Mourinho’s sudden U-turn. His departure would have been “very unpopular” inside the dressing room, according to the Manchester Evening News.

It’s a somewhat different story for Marouane Fellaini. Unlike Mata, the Belgium international has never been a crowd favourite and many were looking forward to his departure under Mourinho.

However, it’s believed that the new boss admires Fellaini's aggression on the pitch and is therefore happy to keep him at United.

Meanwhile, the versatile Daley Blind is expected to be given the chance to prove his worth to United, after playing much of last season at centre-back. While the Dutchman had been yet another player expected to leave, it seems Mourinho could keep hold of him too.

Whether or not the three will be able able to nail down a position in Mourinho’s starting line-up remains unclear. In particular, the Mail believes that Mata will have to accept a reduced rotational role with United as opposed to starting as a first-team regular.

(© Independent News Service)