It was meant to be the match made in heaven. For years Jose Mourinho was lined up as the next Manchester United manager and the man to lead them back to the glory days after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Having struggled through the years of David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal, United fans were delighted when Mourinho finally joined the club two seasons ago but that hope has turned to frustration this summer as reality sets in.
Mourinho, unlike his fierce rival Pep Guardiola, simply has failed to improve his side in the places where it needs strengthening. The Red Devils have been crying out for a left-back since it became apparent that Luka Shaw was not up to scratch and that Ashley Young still looks like a winger who is doing an admirable job at left back. However, instead of getting out their early and spending decent money to secure a player for this position, Mourinho has been coy about his signings and on this occasion, it has backfired.
The same goes for his chase of a decent centre-back. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both below par for this Manchester United side and whilst Eric Bailly is a solid option he simply does not have a trustworthy partner to be paired with.
The fact remains that in Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, United are still persisting with two first-choice full-backs who were converted wingers under Sir Alex Ferguson six years ago! That simply is not good enough for a side that should be challenging for the Premier League title this season. In two full seasons Mourinho has disillusioned the fans and fallen out with some of United’s best players, Anthony Martial as a prime example.
The French winger should be someone who is a key player for this side, with bundles of talent and the ability to make an impact at any point in any game. However, under Mourinho, he will be lucky to get any time on the pitch at all, with the Portuguese boss taking issue with him seeing the birth of his child this summer.
It is clear for everyone to see, Mourinho’s magic has disappeared. His latest transfer window is simply proof that players do not want to play for him anymore and his playing style is now negative for potential signings.
This season is not looking promising for Manchester United.
