Times are tough at Manchester United.
Following Monday’s disappointing 0-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, it seems Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United is just not working anymore. Let’s analyse SOME of the things that have happened during the current campaign with The Red Devils, starting with the problems during the U.S. based pre-season tour:
- Anthony Martial did not want to play for United. He skipped part of pre-season tour, and has spent most of the year trying to leave the club.
- Alexis Sanchez had to delay his entrance to United States due to VISA problems.
- Several players began the season dealing with injuries and were not 100% ready for the start of the season.
- Other entered the season without a proper pre-season preparation due to their participation in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Mourinho wanted specific players in the transfer market, but the board did not approve them.
The last point also happened last year, when Manchester United did not want to pay Inter Milan for Ivan Perisic. The same thing happened this year and they couldn’t complete moves for either Harry Maguire or Toby Alderweireld despite the fact that Mourinho wanted to add a centre-back into the squad. What makes things even more complicated is the fact that we are only three games into the season. Undoubtedly, there has been far more drama than what anyone would like.
And of course, there is also Mourinho’s whole personality. No one should doubt the tactician’s ability to make things happen as a football manager. He is one of the best in the business, but it seems the “third-season curse” is a real thing with him. Happened at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan… and it imght happen with Manchester United once again. If anything, his “breakdown” following Monday’s defeat against Tottenham was equally epic and disturbing. In case you haven’t seen it (and why wouldn’t you?!), here is the video:
That is… odd, to say the least.
Reactions like this one suggest Mourinho might be tired as well. But what else can the team do? The international break will come at a perfect time for the club, but it would be a disaster to enter that one-week stoppage with three straight defeats. And it wouldn’t be wise to let him go, either. Who would want to take control of a team only three weeks into the season and with a squad not assembled by him?
Zinedine Zidane has been mentioned as a potential alternative to replace Mourinho. In fact, some reports have indicated that Mourinho “has interest” in United’s job, and would be keen to succeed The Special One. But Zidane is not going to turn things around overnight. Sure, he is an excellent manager, but he is not a magician. Plus, United’s problems are deeper than a simple managerial change.
Or will you tell me that Zidane’s arrival could fix the lack of a right winger? Or the lack of quality on defence? Maybe Zidane can fix Paul Pogba, but that’s it.
As painful as it might read, United have nowhere to go but up. Although letting Mourinho go would be a mistake. He needs to stay with the team until the end of the season, and then United should try to find a new manager. For once, the management should do things the right way.
But for Jose PR troubles, i have no doubt he will turn things around to give UTD a great season to always remember.
It appears all the papers are talking about third season curse but Jose really love UTD wants to be there for a long long time hence his disappointment for the lack of support from the board.
But David De Gea it is clear that the players are not just good enough. Just average and Jose should have been supported in market as he did great with such a team last season…position 2nd.
With the exception of David De Gea, none of the UTD players will fit into City, Liverpool and even Spurs and to think that they’re even doing the Manager a favour.
These players must up their game if not for UTD but for their own personalities and the niche they have carved for themselves.
Let analyze this…a team finishes the season with 19 point gap and subsequently invests in Mahrez. What did you do, got injured Diogo and want to be champions.That is a joke.
Why do you think the class of 92 are backing the manager? The authority a team has is welded in the manager and every player must follow his manager.UTD is a team that the manager must revered by everyone especially his lieutenants (players).Pogba was bought to make the team tick but what do we see INCONSISTENCY and always concerned with off field incidents instead of concentrating on his football. Scholes has adviced him, Garry has cautioned him, Giggsy has counselled him even Rooney has added his voice from DC UTD. All these buttresses José’s observation of Pogba.
I think UTD should stand by him especially Woodward.Both won the first season together and must come of this together and better.