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The mood at Old Trafford is not great since the start of 2018/19 season. The results aren’t great on the field with United currently sitting 10th in the Premier League standings. Also, there are quite a few off-field issues that are dampening the spirit.
Manchester United’s last Premier League title success came during Ferguson’s era. Ever since his departure, they are a club in decline. When Jose Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal in 2016, a huge section of United fan base was happy that they have finally got their man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
However, Mourinho’s appointment did not yield the desired results. United failed to win the Premier League or Champions League title, ever since his arrival, and have also witnessed their city rivals taking control of the English top-flight league.
Jose Mourinho is particularly not known for his people handling skills. He always had issues with players in the past when he was the manager at Chelsea and Real Madrid. United always knew the risk when they appointed Mourinho.
Now there are various reports of tension between Mourinho and various United players. Some of them have elevated to a higher level and might result in players quitting the club if Mourinho is not replaced.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 3 players Manchester United might lose if Mourinho is not sacked.
#3 Paul Pogba
Manchester United paid a world record fee to sign Pogba from Juventus in 2016 and ever since his arrival, the Frenchman was often criticized for his performances at Old Trafford. One of the best midfielders in the world, Pogba has been phenomenal for France in their 2018 World Cup but has failed to win over Jose Mourinho. The pair has been embroiled in a series of incidents since the start of 2018/19 campaign and it has worsened in the past few days.
According to Mirror, “Pogba – who was also stripped of his ‘second captain’ status – has told teammates he no longer wishes to play for Mourinho if he allows their conflict to escalate any further. Pogba has told teammates he no longer wishes to play for Mourinho if he allows their conflict to escalate any further.”
Pogba was linked with Barcelona all through the summer, but United stood firm. The Catalan giants will not pass on the opportunity to sign Pogba if Raiola puts him in the market. If the pair does not resolve their differences soon, the United board might have to decide whether they want Pogba or Mourinho.
#2 Antony Martial
The 22-year-old is one of the most talented young footballers in the world at the moment. Having made his Manchester United debut under Louis van Gaal, Martial had a stunning 2015/16 campaign. He made 31 league appearances for Manchester United and finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in all competitions.
However, Mourinho’s arrival has hampered his progress to an extent. Martial spent most of the time on the bench as Mourinho preferred to use him as a super-sub on most occasions. Also, the arrival of Alexis Sanchez has restricted his playing time even further.
The French international’s decision to return late to United’s pre-season training this summer did not go well with his manager. Also, Mourinho has criticized his performances in the past and the latest of which came after the West Ham defeat. If Mourinho continues to undervalue his abilities, Martial might not be Old Trafford for long.
#1 Eric Bailly
Though Bailly played a pivotal role for Manchester United in his debut campaign, he has spent most part of the 2017/18 season on the bench. Though injuries played its part in his United career, he was dropped from the team on numerous occasions, even when he was fully fit.
His situation at Old Trafford continues to remain the same. Since the defeat against Brighton in August this season, Eric Bailly has not started a league game for the Red Devils. He is only 24 and has proved in the past that he could be one of the best centre-backs in the world.
And according to the Metro, “Bailly feels marginalized by Mourinho and is confused as to why that is the case. Bailly now, it is claimed, wants to know where he stands and discover if he has a long-term future at the club.”
