5 things Manchester United are doing better under Jose Mourinho

#3 Attractive, attacking football

Mourinho has given his players the freedom to express and they have benefitted from it

Manchester United made a name for themselves in England and in Europe by being the unit that never gives up. They attacked relentlessly and were one of the most intimidating teams on the counter.

But after LvG took over and had his philosophy implemented at Trafford, United took their foot off the gas and instead started probing endlessly. With a lack of favourable results to vindicate the dull displays, the Stretford end chanted ceaselessly- Attack, Attack, Attack!

But all of that didn't bother van Gaal and De Gea soon became involved in passing the ball around just as much as anyone else on the pitch. All possession and no penetration made United a bland side to watch.

When Jose Mourinho took over, fans didn't expect it to change much. After all, he is infamous for parking the bus and being too defensive or simply put- playing it a bit too safe.

Instead, Mourinho bought into the club's philosophy and embraced it with intent. Even though United's incapacity to finish saw them drawing a lot of games, the football they played was suddenly exhilarating to watch.

Players were given the freedom to express themselves and this translates to attractive football when your team has players like Juan Mata, Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Nemanja Matic. (phew)

This is further evidenced by the fact that even though United finished 6th in the league in his first season in charge, one of the most captivating chants to emerge from the stands was,

Woke up this morning feelin' fine

Got Man United on my mind

Jose's playing the way United should, oh yeah!

Something tells me I'm into something good.