One of Jose Mourinho’s advisers has dug out Manchester United chief Ed Woodward for his management of the club in recent years – specifically the way he has handled contract negotiations.

United went into this season with a number of first team players’ contracts winding down, with David de Gea and Anthony Martial among the senior stars into the final years of their deals – albeit with the club having the option to trigger one-year extensions. United have activated extensions to De Gea’s and Martial’s contracts, but the futures of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Ashley Young – among others remain uncertain as their one-year options were triggered last season.

Eladio Parames, who advised Mourinho at Benfica and has been a vocal supporter of the Portuguese in his homeland, sarcastically described Woodward’s management of the club as ‘beautiful’.

“Here are two concrete examples of the fantastic work going on at Manchester United. If (Marouane) Fellaini, who was at the end of his contract, had been renewed in proper time, he would not cost half of what he costs today. Mister Ed (Woodward) made him the third best-paid player in the entire squad. And the same is happening with (David) De Gea, whose contract could already have been renewed a year or two ago. But now, as his deal is at the end, if they want to continue with him they will have to pay a fortune. What beautiful management this is. And the same is happening with (David) De Gea, whose contract could already have been renewed a year or two ago. But now, as his deal is at the end, if they want to continue with him they will have to pay a fortune. What beautiful management this is,”said Parames, who last week suggested Paul Pogba was signed for commercial reasons and against Mourinho’s wishes.