Manchester United may have picked up 9 points out of 9 available and some may even bill them as title contenders but judging from the past few seasons, we know early form may count to nothing at the end. There is still a lot of work to be done.
This international break though disrupts momentum; gives Jose Mourinho the perfect time to assess things and plan out the next ‘phase’ of his revolution. Cause the revolution has just begun and if he is to match the expectations put on him by the board, the fans and himself; these 5 things are an absolute must.
1) Let go of the dead weight
It’s the truth that it is a manager’s delight if he has two world-class players fighting for every position in the squad. But currently, Manchester United’s squad is bloated. Jose Mourinho keeps mentioning the 23 players he has but still some players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones and Marcus Rojo need some sorting.
Most particularly Bastian Schweinsteiger, since he is a high-profile player taking up very high wages. Plus, he is an absolute professional and his absence only means more negative media attention something which no manager would want for his squad.
With Manchester United making high-profile signings and expanding their wage bill, they need to let some people go or give them contracts with reduced wages.
2) Find out his best XI
Make no mistake; the victory against Hull was brilliant and you could see the United team with spirit and desire to win but is that going to be enough to win the campaign?
Throughout the majority of the match, Manchester United struggled to break Hull City down who defended (Curtis Davies was god-like) valiantly throughout. A lot of times, the big names seemed to get in the way of each other.
Wayne Rooney didn’t spot easier penetration-passes and went for the more Hollywood passes. Anthony Martial too seemed running short of ideas. Paul Pogba seemed to try too hard at times as well. The defence was still relatively assured but will be tested to the maximum against a free-flowing and speedy Manchester City attack. It is now time for Mourinho to look back at the past 3 games and judge his players well for the upcoming busy September ahead.
3) Prepare for the Manchester showdown
There will be contrasting opinions about how the 2 teams from Manchester have started their campaigns. While City have looked imperious in attack, United have looked solid at the back. But for both the teams, the big test awaits after the international break.
Jose Mourinho is someone who doesn’t necessarily do well against Guardiola’s sides. (Only manager to win a league title against him, though)
City’s attack of David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Nolito and Sergio Aguero are literally wreaking havoc. They have picked up on the Guardiola philosophy faster than expected and are using their directness with his passing game to play defences out of the game. Mourinho needs to address United’s lack of pressing and sometimes staggered midfield otherwise City might run out winners.
4) Figure out his squad rotation policy and incorporation of youth
Something that United fans will always want to maintain is that they are a club that nurtures the youth. As often in English football, a lot of clubs have good youth systems but they fail to break into the first team. The opposite of which is done at United. Currently, though, the United youth head coach Warren Joyce is really unhappy with the squad and its mental preparedness. No wonder Mou has sent most on loan to gain experience.
Mourinho is often maligned for not giving youth a chance and using cash for success. Now is his chance to use the squad and the youth system with the likes of Alex Tuanzebe, Marcus Rashford, Fosu-Mensah, Joe Riley some first team action.
The Europa League, FA Cup and the League Cup will give Mourinho enough games to rotate his squad but he must make the most of this time and figure out how he wants to make use of the grand system at his disposal. His legacy at United will not just be his trophies but his blueprint cause the manager on the other side of Manchester is doing exactly that and will go on to revolutionize some of City’s brilliant young talent.
5) Prepare to do well in the Europa League
The Europa League is about to start with the group games approaching fast. The competition is often ridiculed by most but still holds value. It is one of the rare trophies that United don’t have in their cabinet. Any sort of European experience is good for the squad and especially for the commercial business too.
No team’s mentality should be to go in a tournament half-hearted and that is something that Mourinho needs to drill into his players. Win this and you are set for a Champions League bow next year with a European trophy backing you. It is important United do well after two lacklustre campaigns under Sir Alex and van Gaal recently.
Mourinho also has to prepare his game plan in a manner that Zlatan and Pogba are happy playing on Thursdays!
