Second place will most likely still be theirs come the end of the season, but Manchester United missed the chance to take a convincing step in the right direction on Friday night. Brighton and Hove Albion beat Jose Mourinho’s side by a single goal, meaning that they’ve now lost to all three promoted teams in the Premier League.
Another insipid performance sparked yet more post-match criticism of his players from the United manager. Several established names had been rested to let others stake their claim for a starting place in the FA Cup final, but Mourinho felt let down by their efforts. The loss was cited as a prime example of why Matteo Darmian, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, amongst others, haven’t been playing as often as they’d like.
“It was not good enough,” said Mourinho. “The players who replaced others did not perform at a good level and, when individuals do that, it is difficult for the team to play well. Maybe now you will not ask me why A, B and C do not play so much. People always ask: ‘Why always Lukaku?’ Well, now they know why always Lukaku, and why always this player, and why always that player. We are probably not as good as people think we are individually.”
Such comments, implying a lack of effort, ability or desire on the part of certain players, have become an increasingly common feature of Mourinho’s motivational armoury over the last couple of years. Whether directed at specific figures, or the team in general, it’s a risky way to go about things. The effect can be alienating more than inspiring. Luke Shaw has been on the receiving of several public humiliations to no noticeable benefit.
Whether through mind-games with the media, or fostering a siege mentality amongst his players, Mourinho has always searched for a psychological edge. It worked wonders during his first spell at Chelsea, and then at Inter Milan, but seems to have created a more hostile and fractious dressing room atmosphere in recent times.
Once hailed for the extreme loyalty and commitment he cultivated amongst his charges, Mourinho has been guilty of misjudging the tone and picking the wrong targets. Some need to be fired up to perform at their best, others require a little support and encouragement. Precisely what goes on behind closed doors is impossible to judge but there’s little doubt that Mourinho isn’t getting the most out of some of his players.
Anthony Martial is one of those who’s capable of so much more, and will perhaps feel unfairly scapegoated by his manager’s comments. Many have lobbied for his inclusion to bring some zip and spark to an often staid and predictable United side. His ability to exploit space and bamboozle defenders is clear to see and it’s something so often missing from the performances of Mourinho’s men.
The supremely talented Martial is someone United should be looking to build around rather than unnecessarily sideline. He’s been involved in 30 Premier League games but only started 18 of them. Even then he’s been substituted on 13 occasions. The game against Brighton was one of a handful where he’s played the full 90 minutes and, although he was far from his best, it’s difficult to build up any momentum when you’re in and out of the team.
Like all managers, Mourinho has his favourites. Players who he implicitly trusts to carry out his plans. They might not always be the best footballers in a technical sense, but discipline, selflessness and tactical awareness are deemed more than adequate compensation. This is why Jesse Lingard has come to the fore over the last few months. While Martial is unquestionably the more skilful and creative player, he’s considered less diligent and reliable.
Despite being far from an automatic choice, the Frenchman still has nine league goals, more than any of his teammates except Lukaku. At just 22, he remains devastatingly effective and capable of so much more. Mourinho can be quick to burn bridges but needs to show more faith in Martial. Considering what’s happened with Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, he shouldn’t risk letting another potentially world class player slip through his fingers quite so easily.
