Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says certain members of his squad need to realise the importance of winning.
United are unbeaten in 14 Premier League games but have drawn their past three and been sixth in the table after each round of matches since 6 November.
“Playing to win, having the responsibility to win, and coping with the pressure of winning is something that has to belong to your natural habitat,” said Mourinho.
“For some guys, it doesn’t.”
Six players in the Old Trafford club’s first-team squad have not won a domestic league title or major international tournament – Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Mourinho did not name any individuals but, speaking before Sunday’s trip to champions Leicester (16:00 GMT kick-off), he said his squad contains players who “need time to go out of a comfort or a protected zone where they don’t think the aim is to win”.
Meanwhile, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been added to United’s Europa League squad after being left out for the group stages.
The 32-year-old former Germany captain will now be available for the last-32 tie against Saint-Etienne later this month.
‘Impossible targets a waste of time’
Having signed four players last summer, United did not buy anyone during the January transfer window – but Mourinho has identified the men he wants in the summer.
In recent seasons, United have become embroiled in negotiations with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and forward Gareth Bale, and midfielder Cesc Fabregas when he was at Barcelona, but the Mourinho says he will not chase “impossible” transfers.
“I know what I want and I am very realistic,” said the Portuguese. “I know what are the impossible targets and I don’t like my club to participate in them.
“It is a waste of time. It is a gift to the agents to help them improve their situation.”
Analysis
Given they have been in sixth place since early November, there is a real possibility that United will fail to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive year.
That would cost them more than £20m in sponsorship income due to a clause in their £750m, 10-year deal with Adidas, but is unlikely to impact on their ability to attract top-class players because of Mourinho’s reputation and the club’s ability to pay top salaries.
Mourinho’s priorities will be to bring in at least one “game-changing forward” and bolster his defence significantly.
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has been heavily linked, although United officials have played down a story from France that personal terms with the 25-year-old have already been agreed.
A formal move for Benfica’s Victor Lindelof is anticipated after United ruled out a January move for the 22-year-old Sweden defender due to his near £40m buyout clause.
Monaco defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is also of interest to Mourinho, with England winger Ashley Young and Schweinsteiger top of the list of likely departures.
