Appointing high profile manager? Done. Signing World class talent? Done. Winning start? Done (and that too 100% wins).
Ok, it’s way too early to call this Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Yet in the last few games we saw how much of an influence Mourinho has had on a side criticized for it’s sluggish and toothless approach under his predecessor Louis van Gaal. Meaningful use of possession, use of flanks to provide crosses and many other such factors have made United into a fearful as well as a very systematic side.
Though it was normal to see some of the similar factors such as the mundane 4-2-3-1 strategy and handling of youth prospects (sorry Jose) common from Mourinho teams being incorporated into this United side, these few games have thrown up quite some surprises that most Manchester United, as well as, football fans did not expect.
Here are 3 such things under the “Mourinho Era” which left quite some of us gobsmacked.
#3 Daley Blind continuing as Centre Back
Blind, whose natural position is a defensive midfielder, has started all of the games under Mourinho at Centre Back despite Chris Smalling being available (as well as in form). The versatile Dutch player has also played as left back for the ‘Oranje’ but clearly didn’t fit the mold of a centre back that Mourinho likes – big, brawny and tough tackling; something hard for Daley Blind to fill.
Yet when United were without their first choice defenders last season amid an injury season, Blind took guard at the heart of a porous defence. What transpired was just hard work and determination at its best.
The lanky framed Dutchman kept the likes of Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa at bay with his splendid reading of the game and use of his limited physical resources. Believe it or not, those factors have played a big part in Blind holding a first team place under the new United gaffer and forming an unbreakable partnership with new recruit Eric Bailly. Though Chris Smalling might eventually end up displacing him but for the time being Blind gives United a leader at the back and a mentor for the raw Eric Bailly.
#2 Marouane Fellaini starting in midfield
If Fellaini had a penny for every time he was made the scapegoat for United’s dismal performances, he would actually be able to buy Paul Pogba for himself. A prospect of David Moyes’ failed reign as manager, Fellaini was someone who didn’t have much use for succeeding manager Van Gaal other than using as a target man in closing stages of lost games.
Enter Jose ‘The Special One’ Mourinho. Under the Portuguese the Afro-sporting big Belgian was something of a revelation. An absolute beast in the midfield dominating the ball as well as an aerial threat in attack, Fellaini has transformed himself from an elbowing menace to a complete midfield package keeping the likes of Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin and the veteran Michael Carrick out of the team.
What remains to be seen is, how long can Fellaini sustain his form as well as his starting berth in the heart of United’s midfield.
#1 Juan Mata staying and performing
I bet there was no one more terrified than Juan Mata on Jose Mourinho’s appointment as United manager. The former Chelsea mainstay was forced out by Mourinho on his second spell as the Blues’ boss for not being more contributing in defence. The diminutive Spaniard has yet to replicate his Chelsea exploits at United but has become a big favorite among the fans due to his cool and composed aura.
Mourinho’s appointment sparked rumours of Mata joining Everton or returning to Spain for Espanyol. In spite of having bad blood in between them, Mata’s desire to stay, work hard and command a starting role in Mourinho’s United team is praiseworthy.
Though they seem to have put their differences aside and look to work together, there remains some discontent which was pretty much evident in the Community Shield match against Leicester. Every time Mata steps on the pitch it feels as if he is one mistake or one bad game away from being substituted or benched the next game.
While everything looks calm on the outside Juan Mata is remaining in Mourinho’s plans and Manchester United on borrowed time and not before long Mata might just end up in different colors.
