No one should be surprised after hearing of the recent sacking in Manchester, this time it being Jose Mourinho. Supposedly one of the best managers in the world has been sacked by the Red Devils.
After a very successful 2017-18 season with only seven losses, Mourinho’s time with United has been cut short. The cause of this is more than just because how bad Manchester United have performed.
Let’s break down what led to this sacking. Firstly, and most obviously, the team has been significantly underperforming. In 17 games, United have only won seven games with five losses and five draws.
This is considered quite poor for their standards, especially with the amount of talent they have. The team has not changed too dramatically from the past season.
This leads the fans to think, why aren’t we performing as well this year?
This is first sight of fingers being pointed to their manager, Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Secondly, the players weren’t getting along with Jose. A team can’t perform at its best when star players, such as Paul Pogba, aren’t getting along with their boss.
There have been many incidents where Mourinho has publicly criticised Pogba, mainly due to acts off the field as well as on it. There’s a video which surfaces the internet where you can clearly see the two arguing.
As a result, we have seen Mourinho bench the French superstar more than what fans would expect to see. One of the final blows to their relationship came when Mourinho stripped Pogba of the vice-captaincy. It’s clear to say, Pogba won’t be missing his former manager.
Mourinho didn’t get along with other players as well, Luke Shaw also had problems with his boss. In total, Mourinho publicly criticised nine Manchester United players. This could never end well for Mourinho.
Finally, it’s fair to say Mourinho’s playing system wasn’t working well for the Devils. The former manager plays a very defensive system, but this did not work as his centre-backs were clearly not as skilled as other fullbacks.
Mourinho did not play how Manchester United traditionally played. The philosophy set by Sir Alex Fergusson was discontinued.
The rough season can’t be all blamed on Mourinho though as the club hierarchy were not willing to fulfil his requests. In the offseason Mourinho wanted a new centre-back, United declined this and did not get his centre-backs.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
Sir Alex was in a great position to do so, all the players loved him. With Jose, there were many players who didn't get along with him. Not leaving Mourinho in a position to criticise his players.
James
Guest
Managers can and should publicly criticise players if it will help the players be better. That was one of the greatest things about Sir Alex, he knew what players needed a hug, what players needed to be encouraged or ignored etc and who would play better if they were called out publicly. The problem with Mourinho is that his complaining was self serving.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
I agree with your point here, not sure how they could of thought Jose would do them any good especially considering their back line.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
I don't disagree with your point but at the same time, I was trying to make this article more in a professional matter rather than my opinion. I was looking at this situation from different perspectives and outlining them. Would people rather spend time reading my opinion or factual information? In future, I will consider writing with more an opinion.
Simoc
Guest
Man U used to be the team to watch and now its Manchester City. Its strange that they hired Mourinho in the first place given his preferred defensive style of game being so different to what Man U fans would be accustomed to. I don't think coaches should publicly criticize any player. Given that Mourinho isn't especially likeable outside his winning record, he won't be missed. I expect the team will return to winning in the new year.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Hi Callum, I liked the read (good, concise detail), but I think the reason why I'm the first to reply is because you didn't offer any opinions (ie- timing of the decision, who is most blameworthy, etc), which is the nature of this site. People want to agree or disagree with authors. Also, most of us are just tired of the subject.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
I'd love to hear feedback from my readers as i'm always trying to improve me writing.