'Saving money for January' – Jose Mourinho mocks his club hierarchy just before post-match press conference

What's the story?

Jose Mourinho who had recently claimed that only FFP regulations can help Manchester United compete with city rivals Manchester City for the title, took another sly jibe at his club's inability to match some of the biggest clubs in the transfer market in the press conference following Red Devil's 4-1 home win over Fulham yesterday.

As soon as the Portuguese manager entered the press room, he had a bemused look on his face and asked whether Manchester United were saving money for January transfer window when he noticed that not even a water bottle was on the table for him.

He has regularly complained that United cannot match City’s position in the transfer market since his arrival in Manchester and has been left frustrated on occasions by his board due to unavailability of funds.

In case you didn't know...

Manchester United's victory over Claudio Ranieri's Fulham was their first win in over a month's time in the Premier League, having drawn the previous three fixtures after their 3-1 loss in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium last month.

Though the Red Devils' expenditure this summer has been more than that of their neighbours, Mourinho still blames lack of funds as the main reason for the recent struggles of his side.

It was reported that Mourinho wanted to sign a centre-back in the summer, however, the club's moves for Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng and Diego Godin eventually failed.

The heart of the matter...

Speaking to the press after their first win in five league games, Mourinho, who had been sulky for most of the season, showed his humorous side to the media present in the room, as he joked about his club's penny-pinching practices by saying that they were saving for January window, by cutting on the costs of providing water bottles for him.

Mourinho's first statement as he entered the room was: (Via Sky Sports)

"Are we saving money?"

He further added:

"There's no water. Saving money for January [Transfer window]?"

Watch Jose Mourinho's quick wit and apparent dig at his club's management:

With United back to winning ways, Mourinho would at least want to guide his club to a top-four finish, given that they are currently sixth in the league and 16 points behind leaders Liverpool.

What's next?

Manchester United head into their last UEFA Champions League Group Stage fixture next week. They'll be travelling to Valencia having already achieved qualification into the Round of 16.

With the club struggling at times and in dire need of reinforcements, funds are expected to be made available over the winter.