United players fear Mourinho's behavior will ruin season

With less than two weeks before his third season in charge at Manchester United kicks off, manager Jose Mourinho has more to worry about than just his team's performances on the pitch.

Mourinho's public outbursts over United's poor form during their tour of the U.S. has allegedly caused his players to feel anxious ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

There's a belief that the 2018-19 campaign could be jeopardized before it begins because of the Portuguese manager's behavior, according to Luke Edwards and James Ducker of The Telegraph.

Team morale has apparently been damaged by Mourinho's annoyance over the lack of options at his disposal, as United are without several first-team players who were given extended holidays after participating at the World Cup.

Players are said to be "treading on eggshells" around Mourinho in an effort to avoid becoming the 55-year-old's next target of disapproval.

Mourinho first criticized Antonio Valencia over his perceived lack of fitness before turning his attention to Anthony Martial for failing to rejoin the team in the days after the birth of his child. It's believed Martial reacted negatively to Mourinho's comment, putting his future at United in further doubt after last season when he struggled for playing time and was reportedly eager to leave.

After United's 4-1 loss to Liverpool, Mourinho said he wouldn't pay to watch his team - which also recorded draws with Mexican side Club America, the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer, and AC Milan.

"The atmosphere is good but if I was them, I wouldn't come," Mourinho said, per Sky Sports.

Criticism of United's transfer policy this summer has also reportedly put Mourinho's relationship with chairman Ed Woodward "under severe strain," as the manager voiced concern over the club's ability to sign players ahead of the season.

Although United have completed transfers to sign midfielder Fred, right-back Diogo Dalot, and goalkeeper Lee Grant, Mourinho, who claimed he provided Woodward with a list of five names months ago, is believed to be "desperate" to sign a center-back.

Edwards and Ducker add that Mourinho's mood swings are, in part, due to the departure of long-time assistant Rui Faria, who announced his resignation after the season ended.

United open the campaign against Leicester City on Aug. 10, a day after the Premier League's transfer window closes.