Manchester United's board have shown manager Jose Mourinho public support after their dramatic win over Newcastle United.

The late triumph sparked such scenes of relief among the club's board that one director sought out Jose Mourinho for an emotional embrace in the tunnel afterwards.

Group managing director Richard Arnold interrupted one of the under-fire manager's post-match interviews to offer a very public demonstration of the hope among Old Trafford's hierarchy that he can rescue his United reign.

Senior sources were so determined to refute Friday night reports that the 55-year-old would be sacked over the weekend that they issued denials in the early hours of Saturday morning, reports the London Evening Standard.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward is desperate for his third managerial appointment to succeed – but such have been the rifts within United's squad and the alarming performances on the pitch that speculation over Mourinho's position has never been more intense.