However, the United manager has not only rubbished that suggestion but stressed he is keen on extending his deal beyond the three-year contract he initially penned back in 2016.

"It depends on what you want to know and what you want to speak about," Mourinho said on his future.

"If you want to speak about some news, I say, 'Garbage'. I don't find a better word to define the talk.

"If you want to ask me directly, which I suppose you want (to), if I see myself next season in Manchester United, I say I see myself (here). And, as I told when I arrived, I'm going to leave when the club wants me to leave, because I have no intention to leave at all."

Asked whether he saw himself remaining at United beyond three seasons, he replied: "Yes, I see myself here (after three years), it's just a question of the club, the board the owners, Mr (Ed) Woodward, they are all happy with my contribution and they want me to stay beyond the end of this contract, but I want to stay."

Mourinho admitted the story, which cited frequent trips back to his family home in London, had troubled him.

"The worst thing anyone can do to myself, is not to say that I am a bad manager, is not to say that I am under-performing or that I made a mistake in this game or that game, the worst thing someone can do is put one inch of doubt into my professionalism, in my dedication to my club, to my job, to my players," he added.

"So yes, the garbage news affected me just on this aspect because it's something I don't admit.

"But again, I repeat I am in the middle of my contract, if I am going to sign a new one or no, of course it depends on the club but my commitment with the club is total and I want to stay."

His demeanour has come under scrutiny as United have fallen further behind runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Yet he moved to banish notions he has lost his appetite during a fighting performance.

"Because I don't behave as a clown on the touchline, it means that I lost my passion," Mourinho argued.

"I prefer to behave the way I am doing it, much more mature, better for my team and myself, I don't think you have to behave like a crazy guy on the touchline to have that passion.

"That passion, you see it every day. The way a person is dedicated to his work, not what you do in front of the cameras."

United face Derby at Old Trafford in the FA Cup on Friday and Mourinho confirmed Sergio Romero will start in goal instead of David De Gea.

Romelu Lukaku, who was taken off on a stretcher against Southampton last weekend following a clash of heads, is expected to be available along with Marouane Fellaini, who has been missing since November.