Manchester United manager José Mourinho believes that fear factor can be returned to Old Trafford if the fans create an intimidating atmosphere for opponents week in, week out.

Mourinho takes charge of his first home Premier League game at Old Trafford on Friday night against Southampton, with the United manager hoping that his side can build on a promising start after beating Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season.

And ahead of the match against Claude Puel’s side, he told the assembled press in his pre-match press conference that he believed that United could once again make the Theatre of Dreams a fortress, but it would have to be a joint effort from both the players and the fans.

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When asked the question, he said:

Not me, but the team, yes. The fans can also help with this too.

Everything starts there: the relationship between the team and the fans. If a couple of thousand away supporters can be more noisy than 70,000, then we are in trouble. This would mean that there is no connection between the team and the supporters. If there is connection, then I think the factor of being really strong at home has to back.

Everything starts on the connection between the team and the fans. The way the team plays, the way they behave, the mental approach and, if the fans play [their part], there will be no chance for the opponent.

Old Trafford has always been a intimidating place to play in for many opposition teams, but in recent years the opposition have not been afraid to take the game to United sides under the stewardship of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal at home.

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Last season alone, the likes of relegated Newcastle United and Norwich City were able to take points away from Old Trafford, while Southampton managed to sneak a victory against the Reds in their previous encounter at Old Trafford through a Charlie Austin goal.

Mourinho will be hoping that his side will be able to rectify their indifferent home form as of late and with his imposing home record as manager at his previous clubs, United fans will be confident that the ‘Special One’ will be able to turn the Theatre of Dreams into a fortress once again.