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Jose Mourinho is in deep waters at the moment. The manager has been criticised heavily for his philosophy and comments in front of the media. The Red Devils are seventh in the league with just 3 wins from the last 9 games, and are already out of the League Cup.
Last season, United went toe to toe with Manchester City for the title early on, until a run of poor games saw Jose Mourinho's side fall out of the title race and eventually finish runners-up to Pep Guardiola's side.
The Portuguese, known to win significant silverware in his second seasons, went trophyless last campaign, and was defeated in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Before the start of the new season, controversy surrounded the Theatre of Dreams as the manager was reportedly unhappy at how the transfer market panned out for him. Mourinho's disappointment has reflected in his team's performances.
All these could prompt the United board to look for a new manager even before the season ends.
However, the second half performances against Newcastle and Chelsea showed that the players are still willing to fight for the manager. Here are three players who will be crucial in saving Jose Mourinho's job at Manchester United.
#3 Nemanja Matic
The Serbian got injured at the start of the season, but since his return, the former Chelsea man has not been in the best of form. Matic is one of Jose Mourinho's favourite players at Manchester United, and he was instrumental in the team's defensive solidity last season.
With the defense in complete disarray, Jose needs Matic to give the back four much needed cover, as he has done for so many years in his career. His interceptions and reading of the game are exceptional, and he needs it now more than ever. If Nemanja comes to form, the defense will perform a lot better, which might see the team going forward confidently in attack.
#2 Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial arrived in Manchester at a time when Louis Van Gaal was the manager at Old Trafford. He was the most expensive teenager at that time. The Frenchman did not take long to announce himself, and scored in his debut against Liverpool, in front of the Stretford End. He soon became a sensation among the fans, becoming the top scorer for The Red Devils in his first campaign.
However, things started changing once Van Gaal got sacked, and Martial was involved in personal issues. Jose didn't see the effort in the Frenchman, and rightly dropped him from the starting line up. He showed glimpses of his returning form at the start of Mourinho's second campaign, but the arrival of Sanchez in January more or less guaranteed his place on the bench.
Jose started the new season with Alexis, but the Chilean's lack of form has made him give Anthony starts from the left wing, and he didn't disappoint at all. Martial has now scored 5 goals in the last 5 fixtures, and was voted Manchester United's Player of the month. He is in sublime form, and the only one who looks like scoring whenever he gets an opportunity.
Mourinho needs him to continue his excellent run until the end of the season, as he would be crucial for Jose's stay at the club, and for United to finish inside the top four.
#1 Paul Pogba
If Jose needs any player most, then it is Paul Pogba. The Frenchman left Juventus for his second stint with The Red Devils at a world record transfer fee, and this raised the bar of expectation.
Pogba could not replicate the form he showed at Juventus in his first campaign at Old Trafford, but the manager kept faith in him to deliver in future. Like Martial, he positively started the second season, but soon inconsistency crept in, and reports emerged of a fallout with the manager.
Jose knows better than anyone that Pogba is the most creative player he has at United. He can create chances, score goals, and also do defensive duties when needed. Few players have been good this season, and Paul is one of them. He might not be scoring many goals, but his distribution and assists have been good.
The World Cup winner has the potential to be a leader, but he needs to show more of it on the pitch, and help his manager out of this tricky situation.
