Mourinho was so desperate to see Anthony Martial leave Old Trafford during the summer window that he went as far as negotiating a swap deal with Tottenham without Woodward’s permission.
It was reported via the Sun last month that the Portuguese manager couldn’t condone the Frenchman’s indiscipline — when he left the team’s pre-season camp without informing the gaffer — and offered him as an exchange for Tottenham’s experience full-back Toby Alderweireld.
However, Mourinho’s mission to terminate Martial’s contract was unsuccessful as Woodward moved swiftly to block the deal from materializing.
Tottenham, on the other hand, were hoping to part way with their Belgian defender due to his fallout with Mauricio Pochettino towards the end of last season.
The North London club were eager to negotiate a swap deal with their Premier League rival before United’s Vice-chairman Woodward ends the negotiations abruptly.
Despite the reported disagreement with the experienced full-back, Mauricio Pochettino has reintegrated the Belgian into his starting lineup this season.
The Argentine manager has equally told his employers to renew Alderweireld’s contract.
With Martial yet to get back to a reckoning at Old Trafford, Tottenham have made their intention of buying the 22-year-old known to Mourinho, but they have been told he’s not for sale.
It is believed the Old Trafford outfits are working on extending his contract before the end of the season.