Jose Mourinho has rushed back to Manchester on Monday morning to take training ahead of a crunch clash with Arsenal midweek after becoming the favourite for the sack race. Mark Hughes' dismissal from Southampton on Monday after drawing vs Manchester United sees the Portuguese installed as the new favourite.

Mourinho could be seen arriving at Stockport having taken an early train back north following two days in London.

With the Gunners' claiming the points in the north London derby, United are now eight points behind both Arsenal and Tottenham, who are level for that coveted fourth spot.

A draw at struggling Southampton has heaped more pressure on Mourinho, with Mark Hughes subsequently sacked.

Defeat to Unai Emery's side midweek may put them out of contention to earn Champions League qualification through the Premier League.

Mourinho loads up his luggage (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) Mourinho was travelling back to Manchester (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) The United boss is under pressure after more dropped points vs Southampton (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) Read More Jose Mourinho blasted by Mark Hughes following comments after Man Utd's Southampton draw Mourinho was scathing when questioned over his side's performance, highlighting the midfield as a particular point of weakness.

"I think because we lost so many balls in midfield," Mourinho said. "We lost so many balls in the last third it was difficult to have that continuity.

"I think that was the only reason. What we did so well in the last 15-20 minutes of the first half was to connect with the attacking players by transporting the ball, leaving the ball in the right moment, the right choice of pass, playing simple, accelerating the game.

Mourinho's side are cut adrift from the top four (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) United host Arsenal on Wednesday night (Image: Eamonn and James Clarke) Read More Man Utd fans ridicule Romelu Lukaku over moment that sums up his season "The second half we went back to that dynamic, again, of where we lose too many balls in midfield.

"And the players don't understand that simplicity is genius, especially in some parts of the pitc. They keep and keep and keep going to complicated football and it is difficult to have that continuity."

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