Jose Mourinho’s erratic public outbursts have been at odds with his persona behind the scenes at Manchester United.

Mourinho hit out at his critics during the most difficult period of his Old Trafford reign last week - demanding respect and declaring himself one of the greatest managers in the world.

It was the clearest indication yet that the pressure of having to return United to their former glories was beginning to weigh on him.

But around the club’s Carrington training ground it is said to have been business as usual, with the United manager portraying a completely different character to the one seen in recent press conferences.

Nemanja Matic has given an insight into Mourinho’s behaviour away from the cameras and insists there are no signs of strain.

The Serbian has also endorsed his manager’s decision to remind his detractors of his stellar record.

“He knows what he is doing for sure,” said Matic. “You probably know that also.

“It’s good for us also. He is one of the best managers in the world, you know what he won in his career so that shows you everything.

“I think he is dealing very well with the pressure. That is why he is here in Manchester United. I don’t see any difference.”

Mourinho certainly looked more at ease after Sunday’s 2-0 win against Burnley - laughing with his inquisitors after the match, rather than taking them on.

“He was very confident before the game, he prepared the game in a very good way,” added Matic. “We knew where they could cause us problems with the long balls, that is why Marouane Fellaini played close to our defence, to stop the long balls.

“I think this performance shows how we need to play football and we still can compete for the title.”

United head into the international break six points adrift of leaders Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford who have all made perfect starts.

It is Jurgen Klopp’s side who appear to concern Mourinho the most, with the Portuguese increasingly attempting to shine the focus on United’s fiercest rivals.

Matic insists United can still challenge the Merseysiders.

He said: “Of course (we can’t afford slip ups), but they also have to win all games, and I think that’s impossible.

“Someone needs to lose to drop the points and it’s still too early to say something.

“We will see in March where we are because in March you can see who is fighting for the title, who is not, who is fighting to be in the top four. It is still too early.”