There has been a tidal wave of criticism against Jose Mourinho following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford to fifth place La Liga side Sevilla with much of this criticism coming from pundits who claim that Mourinho’s style of football is “boring”.
Could United be doing better? Absolutely. Did they play badly against Sevila? Of course. Should the Glazers consider sacking Mourinho?
Absolutely not.
The line-up that Manchester United used was not a line-up that screamed “park the bus” despite the inclusion of Marouane Fellaini and Nemanja Matic. Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku all started.
However, at the end of the day, these players simply failed to perform when their manager needed them most. Because of this, the media automatically places the blame on Mourinho’s shoulders rather than the players because it is easier to blame one man than an entire squad that failed to perform.
These players have shown that they have the skill to finish. We saw this against Chelsea at Old Trafford and Liverpool a few days before the Champions League game, when United were praised for their approaches in both of these games, despite losing the battle of possession convincingly.
Where those games “boring”? No. Ask any Manchester United fan and they would have enjoyed both of those games.
It becomes boring when results are no longer acheived. It was referred to as a “tactical masterclass” by the media on Monday against Liverpool, but then the same counter-attacking approach was deemed to be a relic of the past the day after, both by fans and the media.
No manager in world football has polarized supporters more than Mourinho, however those that are calling for his head have never managed gigantic football clubs on the level of Manchester United.
Graeme Souness, an ex-Liverpool player, has been one of the most vocal of Mourinho’s critics. While it is his job to criticise managers and offer suggestions, for the most part, they are to be taken with a grain of salt, not because of the obvious bias against Manchester United from his Liverpool playing days, but because his last managerial job was in 2006 for Newcastle United where they were almost relegated.
If these pundits have all the answers, as they claim on Sky, BT Sport and even our own Fox Sports, the age-old question must be asked, why are they not doing it themselves?
It is the same with ‘supporters’ on social media. A quick glance at the Facebook comments on anything to do with Mourinho on Manchester United’s news feed is filled with comments such as “Moaninho out” and “Buschester United (sic)”.
These supporters would do even worse than Souness did at Newcastle if they were to ever manage a club in the Championship, let alone a big club such as Manchester United.
Am I saying that these supporters should not have an opinion on how the club plays, its manager or transfer business? Well, that would be quite hypocritical of me, so no.
But I am calling for more context when it comes to these opinions, for people to do their research before making such claims. As the saying goes, you are not entitled to your opinion, you are entitled to your own informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.
Manchester United, as Mourinho pointed out in his press conference before Brighton, have done very little in Europe since 2011. In contrast, Sevilla had won three Europa league titles in a row.
Yes, United have spent money, but what major club in the Champions League hasn’t? Paris Saint-Germain have been bankrolled by Qatar Sports Investments and signed Neymar for a record fee yet that does not automatically guarantee success in Europe.
Manchester City had been preparing for Pep Guardiola’s arrival long before he arrived in 2016. Some of the best players in the City team, Kevin De Bryune and Sergio Aguero were not bought by Guardiola, as it takes time and significant money to turn a somewhat average side to Champions League contenders.
Manchester United have the money to succeed but after dismissing David Moyes after ten months and Louis van Gaal after two seasons, stability has not been present at the club.
That is not to say we need to give every manager a ten-year contract. If the signs are there that the team is not performing or is going backwards, then the fans and pundits are right to ask questions. David Moyes’ tenure was terrible and Louis van Gaal’s style of football was even worse than Mourinho’s without the results.
Mourinho’s Manchester United, however, have improved. Since finishing fifth in 2015-16, they’ve won the Europa League and the League Cup. Yes, United also finished sixth in the league but there were signs that the team was improving.
This season, if Manchester City had not been playing so well, United would have been one of the favourites for the Premier League title. United are also set to finish with their most points in the league since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
There has been a success in the transfer market, at least more than van Gaal; Eric Bailly, Romelu Lukaku, Zlatan Ibrahimovic before his injury.
Yes there have also been failures, but the impact of those are somewhat minor compared to the impacts of other signings in the van Gaal era, most noticeably Angel Di Maria.
Paul Pogba is undergoing a period of bad form at the moment, but he is by all means not a bad signing. Sanchez has only just signed so it is ridiculous to judge him right now.
The graduates at Manchester United have been superb. Lingard is playing some of the best football of his career, Rashford has also had a decent season and Scott McTominay should develop into a brilliant player in the future.
The next season is pivotal for Manchester United, however, Mourinho has never lasted more than three seasons at any club. He will either exceed expectations at United by finishing the season with a title or he will cause a brilliant collapse.
Time is the thing that the Mourinho needs, he must be given this time because out of all of the managers in world football he is the one that most closely resembles Alex Ferguson in terms of philosophy – that is, to win at all cost.
The names that were thrown in the wind upon the sacking of Louis van Gaal – Ryan Giggs, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino – have not had the same success that Mourinho has had. Mourinho fits the personality required to succeed at United, with his arrogance and a firm belief in his squad.
Like him or loathe him, Jose Mourinho is the only one for United.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Klopp is overrated? He is the only manager that since 2010 has taken the Bundesliga title away from Bayern Munich. Since being at Liverpool, he has been making a profit in the transfer market, despite the team being substantially better than the one he joined. His Liverpool team haven't won anything, but neither did SAF for his first five seasons at United. In a more contemporary example, Pochettino hasn't won anything yet for Spurs, but no question as to which manager more attack-minded players want to play for. I wouldn't say Mourinho is past it, but I do know that the Man Utd fans only have a limited tolerance for the football his team have shown. Manchester United fans are like Liverpool fans in the sense they are brought up on teams that play attacking and entertaining football. Much has been made about United being second ahead of Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea. Well, most United fans would argue there is no difference being second or fourth. But there is a big difference between first and second. Most United fans would rather their team be fourth and be enterprising and motivated, as opposed to a club whose home ground has the atmosphere of a well-attended funeral. Finally, look at the history of Jose Mourinho. He has only ever left two clubs on a high of CL wins, one being Porto, and the other being Inter. Aside from that, he's been shunted out of every other club he's been at, usually during the third or fourth season. Next year will be Mourinho's third season at United, where he will either win the title, or set the place to flames. Everyone talks about the hard task of following Ferguson's winning era. It's following Mourinho's narcissistic destruction that'll be the challenge.
Kangajets
Guest
Eden I agree , his home and away tactics v Sevilla defied belief , but it’s murinhio , I’m over watching that rubbish . I’m not even going to watch the f a cup semi . A club with United s wealth should not be so putrid to watch .
Eden
Guest
You can’t argue that united are not boring. Goals, chances created, possession stats against big clubs tell the story. But I watch them and they are super boring. Beating Liverpool with long balls and channels? It is a burnley tactic. It is a budget tactic. You can counter attack if you like but do it like Chelsea did last year and that is not boring. To praise the Liverpool game is fine, though it could have easily been another stale draw if TAA defends better. But to think that playing a knockout at home against Sevilla when you HAVE to score, and setting up defensive is tactically positive is silly. Sure the front four were attacking on paper but how does the ball get to them? In the air I guess...
shirtpants
Guest
He hasn't won trophies yet but no doubt there's been massive improvement in the squad and they're playing some good football. Van Dijk has made a massive difference and I think if they can get a quality keeper next season, they'll be a lot tougher. They're definitely heading in the right direction. He did wonders with Dortmund. Poch hasn't won anything but give him the same budget and I think they'd be a lot further ahead of United. There are some excellent counter attacking teams; something the great united sides under Ferguson were capable of, which are not boring to watch. United are sloppy, they're not on the same level and I don't think Mourinho helps the squads cohesiveness, especially when he has publicly shamed a lot of players and put them offside. For me, this isn't a side who're going to really put in for each other when things get tough and I don't see them having the champions mentality under him. This is my biggest issue. I'd be happy to give him one more season but he needs to turn things around.
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Klopp is completley of the cards now, once you manage Liverpool I highly doubt you would even get an interview at United. I don't think I am as old as you as I haven't been watching United for 50 years! (More like 10) but there were certainly times that Fergusson was pragmatic as well. The game has also changed drastically since then, everyone has a decent side, especially in the Premier league and Champions League. Going out to dominate games with no defensive organisation is foolish
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi Shirtpants I believe that Klopp is overrated he hasn't done anything with Liverpool in terms of trophies. I also wouldn't mind Pochettino after Jose but he has not won anything. As for Simeone I am pretty sure that his style of football is similar to Mourinho's anyway so if being "boring" is the concern, I am unconvinced that he would be an upgrade. I'd prefer Carlo Ancelotti but I still think that Mourinho is the best person for the job
shirtpants
Roar Guru
It depends entirely on who is available but I was really hoping we went after Klopp when he was available. In hindsight, it wouldn't have been a bad option. Wouldn't mind Simeone either. Pochettino would do wonders with the youngsters. You can't really know who'd be a success.
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi Mitch Thanks for reading the article Obviously, I would have to disagree with your assertion that I am clueless, allow me to explain "Liverpool have been far more of an entertaining team to watch they just don't have the money" In terms of goals, yes Liverpool have scored more but Liverpool have also conceded as well. There have been multiple games involving them that can only be described as sloppy. I also find it funny that you claim Liverpool do not have the money, yet they just broke the world record for a defender and have sold Coutinho for a record fee. They have money, they have not been spending it correctly. "Just look at what Jurgen has produced out of players that cost considerably less money" Klopp has not won a single trophy with Liverpool. He has not produced much, sure he has them playing well but there will be periods where they will not be performing well, as will be with Mourinho. "Mourinho has one of the best midfielders and wingers in the world and doesnt even want to play them" This is a lie. If you have looked at the lineups for United's recent games you will see that the players that you are refering to have been playing. They have not been playing well but they have been playing. It is the responsibility of the manager to get them playing better, has Mourinho made mistakes whilst trying to get them to play better? Of course no manager is immune to them, even Guardiola has made mistakes and it will take time for Mourinho to get United playing well. I have already referenced how much time Manchester City had to turn themselves into Champions League contenders, but Klopp did not turn Liverpool to the side they were today in two seasons. Give Mourinho time and United will win the league Regardless thank you for your comments, no one has suggested an alternative to Mourinho today but who would you suggest?
Mitch
Guest
This author is clueless Man utd are incredibly boring to watch. How do i know this?? Iv watched them lol. You highlight that Liverpool game were Mourinho's ingenious plan was to target a young fill in RB in Trent Alexander Arnold.... Congratulations you created a small amount of opportunities and it payed off. Liverpool have been far more of a entertaining team to watch they just dont have a endless budget like Man utd thus for suffering in defence and keeper. LFC and Man City have 20 plus goals more then Man Utd and that is why Man City are miles ahead in the league. LFC and Man city are through to the Quarter finals no surprise. Man utd will never be the best playing like that simple. As well as just look at the style of football Pep and Jurgen Klopp has produced it is amazing to watch. Just look at what Jurgen has produced out of players that cost considerably less money in picking the right players for you team (Salah,Mane,Robertson.). Mourinho has one of the best midfielders and wingers in the world and doesnt even want to play them this guys is outdated and clueless.
Pablo
Guest
Hi Luke, His style is a % style, and that leaves him, narrow in defence and good teams pull his defenders out and then play the inside channels fast. That's why none of his back 3 or 4 look good against certain teams, except maybe Bailey. Smalling, Lindoff, Jones etc are all internationals, and obviously good players-but are made to look ordinary with the Mourinho style and once turned around are slow to recover. That's why Matic looks good with the "young one" but poor with Pogba. Mourinho is being outplayed by certain coaches, who have the right plays to exploit Mourinho's safety first style. ManU supporter of over 50 years, and agree with many, this is not how Manu play. Get a brave attacking European coach like Klopp and On 19 Mar 2018, at 9:49 am, The Roar Comments wrote: There is a new comment on the post "Jose Mourinho: The chosen one is still the only one for Manchester United". https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/03/19/jose-mourinho-chosen-one-still-one-manchester-united/ Author: Luke Comment: Hi Pablo Thanks for reading the article If Mourinho was being "found out" as you called it, then why is Manchester United second on the league table? See all comments on this post here: https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/03/19/jose-mourinho-chosen-one-still-one-manchester-united/#comments To manage your subscriptions or to block all notifications from this site, click the link below: https://www.theroar.com.au/?wp-subscription-manager=1&email=pw.thorne%40hotmail.com&key=f638dc75cfb4e2c082de3d46469bbe73
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi Pablo Thanks for reading the article If Mourinho was being "out thought" as you called it, then why is Manchester United second on the league table?
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi Kangajets Thanks for reading the article I don't think that Jose is being blind to see his teams faults. He knows that United are not playing well, just look at the comments from the game against Brighton Although you raise an intresting point. If Mourinho should leave, then who should replace him?
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi George Thanks for reading the article Manchester United have spent money, but all the major clubs in Europe have spent money, in many cases more than United, PSG comes to mind. It is incorrect to suggest that money alone wins titles in today's climate
Pablo
Guest
Mournho style is now being out thought by other coaches, and he is stubborn and won't move to a Plan B. Pogba has got worse, Sanchez same, Matiic same, Martial same He is nullifying players natural flair,style into a boring style, he will lose the dressing room by year end unless he changes and he won't !
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
Hi Faida Thanks for checking out the article. Whilst I agree with some of the points you have made, I disagree with a few points 1- "There was a lack of intent" There wasn't a lack of intent given the fact that the line up included players that can clearly play well. Lukaku, Rashford, Martial, Lingard, Mata where all playing. It was not the fault of Mourinho that the players did not perform. It would have been a lack of intent if United played with one attacking player. This attacking intent is also supported by the fact that United scored twice in that game as well, should they have scored more? Of course, even Smalling hit the post but the players did not perform to the level that was expected in that game. 2-"Fellani is the worst United player I have since since the 1980s" I agree with the fact that Fellani should not have started against Sevile. This was clearly an error on Mourinho's part however we do not know the reasons behind Mourinho's decision. Regardless I hope that Fellani does not sign a new contract 3- "The set up as if they were away to Barcelona, not at home to Seviile" I think you are discrediting Sevilie by this statement. All of the teams in the Champions League are of sufficent quality. If you read the rest of my article (and Jose's rant a few days ago) you would see that Sevile have had a more sucessful European record since 2011 when compared to United. 4-"United have spent a foutune for small gains only" But every club has spent a fortune. Whilst I cannot bring up the exact statistics Manchester City, Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona even Liverpool (on Virgil Van Djik) have spent a fortune on players. Every club needs to spend to compete but they also need time. Manchester City have had that time, it took many seasons before they became Champions League contenders. United still need that time under Mourinho But regardless, thank you for your comment. I have a question for you though, should Mourinho face the sack? If so who would do a better job?
Luke Karapetsas
Roar Pro
He was, but he should have been the chosen one :)
George K
Roar Pro
Thought this too :P probably just a typo, many United fans didn't want Moyes to be "The Chosen One".
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
I thought Moyes was "The Chosen One", and Mourinho "The Special One"?
Kangajets
Guest
Jose Mourinho does not have the personality to coach united Alex Ferguson may have been arrogant, but never blinded by hatred not to see his teams faults . Also as corny as it sounds , it’s not the man united way to be dull , passing fluently and attacking football is the DNA . If you spend obscene amounts of money like mourinho has , then you expect to see much more fluent football. I can’t agee that he should stay .
George K
Roar Pro
I for one have more respect for Mourinho following his 'rant'. United are rusty in the champions league, to say otherwise would be ridiculous seeing as how the last time they played was in the 2015/16 season. To actually address the critics like this shows some level of leadership and mental fortitude. I do feel he could be a little more humble at times and actually take responsibility for bad line-ups but then again the Brighton and Sevila line ups hardly indicate a 'Buschester' mentality. I feel people are too quick to criticize Mourinho despite him having credentials and a series of successful results behind him, particularly actually bringing silverware to United in the past few years. Why is it that after every bad game people call for his head? This mentality of instant success is honestly frustrating at times. The only valid criticism I feel is relevant is the amount of money that has been spent, surely by now United would expect some pay off?