Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said he "knows" the names of Middlesbrough players who allegedly helped to get Aitor Karanka the sack.
Karanka, Mourinho's assistant at Real Madrid, was relieved of his duties on Thursday with Middlesbrough in the Premier League relegation zone.
Since arriving at the club three years ago, Karanka averted the threat of relegation from the Championship before steering them to a playoff final and then automatic promotion last season.
And speaking at a news conference before United take on Boro at Old Trafford on Sunday, Mourinho said: "In this case, I know the names" when asked whether player power had led to the manager's departure.