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23rd Sep 2016

Ledley King on why modern footballers feel compelled to leak dressing room secrets

"Never a good thing"

Simon Lloyd

Win over Northampton aside, the last couple of weeks have been miserable for Manchester United.

Despite a promising start under Jose Mourinho, three high-profile defeats on the spin have prompted some to question whether the former Chelsea coach has what it takes to steer the club back to the top of the English game.

On top of this, there have also been reports of dressing room unrest at United. Last Sunday’s defeat against Watford was been followed by an exposé in The Telegraph, bringing Mourinho’s treatment of some of his squad members into question.

Former United captain Gary Neville appeared to suggest that someone at the club is responsible for leaking stories to the press.

neville1

Ahead of United’s return to Premier League action against Leicester on Saturday, Ledley King- who played alongside Neville for England – told JOE’s Football Friday Live show that leaks to the press are unfortunately part of the modern game.

“You have a lot of big egos within the dressing room and a lot of people talking,” the former Tottenham defender explained. “It’s not necessarily the player. It’s them talking to friends or an agent. Things tend to get out but it’s never a good thing.”

King also conceded that he had experience of this happening during his own playing days.

“You’re looking around the changing room and you’re wondering who’s giving away information. To have it so early in the season is never ideal.”

You can watch the first episode of FFL below.

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