MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho received a private show of support from one Old Trafford chief after victory over Newcastle with a hug from Richard Arnold in the tunnel, sources have told ESPN FC.
Arnold, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's right-hand man, interrupted a post-match interview to congratulate the United boss following the dramatic 3-2 win on Saturday evening.
Sources have told ESPN FC Mourinho was asked about his future in the interview, and after the Portuguese coach directed the question to Arnold, who was standing nearby, United's managing director hugged the 55-year-old and said "well-done."
It came at the end of a week that has seen Mourinho's position come under intense scrutiny -- including a report on Friday that he was set to be sacked -- following the 3-1 defeat to West Ham and the goalless draw with Valencia on Tuesday.
Victory over Newcastle -- after going 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes -- moved United up to eighth in the table, seven points behind leaders Manchester City.
Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez all scored in the final 20 minutes against Rafael Benitez's side and striker Romelu Lukaku has questioned why Mourinho's team cannot always produce such thrilling attacking football.
"It's not good for the heart when it is like this but it is satisfying to win and the way we did in the second half was the way we should always play football," the Belgian told MUTV. "That's what the fans want to see, that's the way we want to play.
"I don't know why we don't always play like this but at the end of the day we won the game and we have to move on."