Upbeat Jose Mourinho reaches for heaven after spell in ’hell’

Manchester United have not been in either “heaven or hell” this season in Jose Mourinho’s eyes - though he believes his team bonded in the face of adversity during their indifferent start.

The FA Cup visit of Reading today presents an opportunity for United to win an eighth consecutive fixture, something they have not achieved since the 2009-10 season, with the club appearing to have rediscovered some of their old swagger.

That was not the case when Mourinho first arrived at Old Trafford as they lost three successive games in September, were beaten 4-0 at Chelsea and drew four games in a row at home.