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Whether fans will want to a admit it or not, Manchester United as a club has been on a downward spiral this season. For many years, the Red Devils have dominated the Premier League and proven to be a dominant force in Europe. Since 2013, the club has undergone many changes as fallout from Sir. Alex Ferguson's departure took its toll. Several managerial changes, player departures and heavy spending became the culture.
Throwing money around on players does not necessarily guarantee success. Ferguson built a team around hardwork and dedication. He could turn average players and inspire them into top performers. That culture soon faded away and we are seeing a Manchester United side that is barely crawling to its feet. This season, the club had its worst start to a campaign in nearly three decades. Even the flop manager David Moyes had better results up to this stage of the season.
In 12 league matches, United has only managed one clean sheet. Nothing seems to be consistently working for them. The defending is shoddy and the attack is nothing to smile about. The fundamental problems at United this season have not only kept them out of the title picture but also the top four altogether.
#3 Leadership
The club is still making insane profits despite this torrid spell. That seems enough for executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward. Yes, he is a shrewd businessman but lacks passion and keen interest in football. How else is a club like United without a sporting director? Leadership is a huge problem at United and that will cost them.
A sporting director ideally would be in charge of the footballing aspect of the club while Woodward can handle the financial matters. A sporting director would work directly with the manger on talent assessment and acquisition. At the moment, it is a one man show and the team is paying the price. How else does a top manager request for funding to strengthen the squad and is denied?
Fans may hate to admit it but Jose Mourinho predicted a very difficult season for United the minute Woodward and the board refused to back him in the transfer market. There are so many gaps in United's leadership structure and it is reflected in the team performance.
#2 Jose Mourinho
One of United's biggest problems this season has been the manager. Yes, the manager does not play but he/she sets the team up and comes up with the strategy. It is the manager's job to motivate and glue the team together. Expect none of that when it comes to Mourinho. His managerial style is in contrast to many who would never publicly shame or blame their players.
He has failed to connect with his players and often gets into battle of egos with the likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial. Pogba is one of the few leaders in the team and being in squabbles with your best outfield players is a sure way to demotivate the squad. Mourinho may be a very successful manager but he has proven to act on the basis of his ego and not what is best for the team. The price to let him go may be too steep. Ultimately, the team will be judged for their performance.
#1 Competition
The battle for the Premier League top places is on fire. Other big clubs in the league either did some investment in the squad or have found their rhythm. With the current United squad, it will be very difficult to crack the top four positions. Their competitors have depth and quality players in various positions.
On paper, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea already have vastly superior squads. This has reflected on their style of play and their league position. They all look like serious title contenders. There is Spurs and Arsenal who also have strong sides. United have struggled to win against smaller sides and there is no foreseeable way out of this jigsaw puzzle if things remain the same.
There is quite simply a lot of competition from big and smaller clubs. United seem to have a real test on their hands. Truth be told, things do not look pretty at all for the United and only a Zidane-like shot in the arm (as he did in Real Madrid) can dig them out of this hole.
