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Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in Europe. Naturally, much is expected from them, but they have disappointed their fans so far in this current season. They are nowhere near their expectations, and even look worse than last season.
Manchester United finished 2nd in the English Premier League last season, but they are currently languishing at 8th. They are 8 points behind the top four spots, and 18 points behind leaders and their noisy neighbours, Manchester City.
Manchester United are also the team which has conceded the most goals among the top 10 teams in the Premier League so far. Their poor defensive record is surprising because Jose Mourinho's teams usually boasts superior rear guard stability. Their goal difference is negative (-1) and they are the second team with a negative goal difference in the top 10 of the league table.
Evidently, there are things to sort out for Manchester United and their manager, Jose Mourinho. Let us evaluate four reasons why they are slowly heading towards more disaster.
#4 Lack of squad depth
Despite spending relatively heavier than mid table clubs in the Premier League, it seems Manchester United are not getting any better. They are slowly grinding away, but also failing to win points against low key opponents.
It is obvious that Manchester United comprises of good players and boasts of youth players from their academy, but the lack of squad depth is quite alarming. It is more noticeable when their starters are suffering from injury and United don't have players who can fill in their shoes.
It is also impossible to get a repetition of their famous "class of 92" when it comes to youth and academy graduates. But they are yet to push their youth graduates into more permanent roles.
Clearly, there is a huge difference in the quality between the first team players and the academy products, but even their bench strength is considerably low.
Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are a notch ahead because depth in a team is needed where teams play close to 50 games per season, more so in a physically demanding league like the Premier League.
#3 Mentality
Manchester United managed a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in midweek. It is not a poor result considering Arsenal are now 20 games unbeaten, but they are also the team who failed to register a victory at Old Trafford since 2006, and were considerably exhausted after a North London derby.
Although the scoreline suggests that the match between the two teams ended in a draw, Manchester United played as if they were the second best team. Despite playing in a home game, the United players showed a distinct lack of hunger and desire to win the game at times, which gave Arsenal the upper hand.
United boss, Jose Mourinho, is clearly unhappy and frustrated with both the mentality and the results. Mourinho stated that his side lack a "mad dog" mentality and willingness to fight for the team after their clash against Southampton, but against Arsenal that didn't improve.
#2 Poor team strength and performances
Manchester United are clearly performing below average. They are behind teams like Everton and Bournemouth at 8th, and questions must be asked about their current squad. It is not that they don't posses good players in their ranks, but their squad is not well equipped to challenge for the title.
Despite boasting a world class keeper like David De Gea in their ranks, their defending has been worse than the other top teams in the league. There is a notable difference between the quality of defenders at United, and the defenders in teams fighting for the top 4.
Manchester United do have players who can get them goals as Romelu Lukaku and co showed last season, but there always was a distinct lack of pace and vision in the final third which is more prominent this season. In addition, the performances of their players have been poor this season, which shows why they have conceded more goals than they have scored.
There is no doubt that United needs to improve their squad and buy players for positions they need, and players who can execute the philosophy of their coach.
#1 Jose Mourinho and the Manchester United board
Jose Mourinho's current season is not as bad as his last season with Chelsea, but there are signs that his infamous third seasons, just like with his previous clubs will get repeated once again.
Jose Mourinho had his fair share of difficulties with man-management at his previous clubs. Currently, there are reports that he is definitely displeased with some of the stars in the dressing room, and as evident in the past, his arrogance may lead to more complications for the team.
Jose Mourinho is also known for his defensive ideology and tactics, but recent failures suggest that he has struggled to evolve, which results in lack of improvement for the squad. There is also a lack of a plan B and dynamism, which often makes him too predictable for his rivals.
The reluctance from the Manchester United board to spend on players who can suit the style of Mourinho is also harmful for the future. Evidently, renowned stars like Alexis Sanchez have failed to make an impact.
It is clear that United have failed to find the right key to success since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. They must build their legacy once again and start over, instead of making star signings and going for temporary solutions.
