Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United - 5 reasons why this result could mean no "third season" malaise

Manchester United gained a very capable draw against Chelsea, and at a ground where even under Sir Alex Ferguson they often struggled.

Chelsea opened the scoring via Rudiger in the first half, though a brace from Anthony Martial almost brought them a vital and unexpected win. It was a very late equaliser which brought mixed feelings for both sides, though a draw was possibly a fair result.

Both teams had passion, good spells of play, and even Mourinho himself showed some passion towards the end.

Things heated up on the sidelines as Mourinho found Sarri's assistants celebration disrespectful

Quite a few were expecting a hiding for United, or at the very least a defeat, considering how well Chelsea was playing. And in contrast how poor United was performing lately. However, it was an improvement over recent results and displays, and evidently is something to build on.

But does this mean the talk of Jose's dismissal is overblown? Will the noted "third season syndrome" not appear this time around? And can Jose turn United's season around from here?

United has become much of a banter club of late. Not only have the results been poor, but there have been evident spats between Mourinho and the players, and nearly daily reports of bust-ups, mishaps, and other calamities.

The club clearly has not been structured properly since Sir Alex retired. But it's not about 2013, it's the here and now. What's gone has gone, and one can only look towards the future and live in the present.

So looking to the present and future, can Mourinho withstand this negative "third season"? It's possible that his personality and coaching style ultimately rubs players up the wrong way. This was the case at Real Madrid and Chelsea, notably.

But the following:

Luke Shaw signing a new deal
Martial scoring goals
Still only a few points behind the top four
Having facets of the club beyond his scope that are being mismanaged

Are all points he can use in his favour.

It's possible that he may be able to ride it out, but specific things need to be done.

Build on Luke Shaw Contract

Luke Shaw is an evident emerging talent, who could feature for both United and England for years to come. Recently, he signed a new contract with Manchester United extending up to 2023.

However, this is good PR on Jose's front, since there were reports of "bullying" concerning Shaw's weight and physical condition.

Now, a professional footballer should never be overweight. This said, there was talk that Mourinho wasn't professional in his handling of the issue, hence the accusations of bullying. If Shaw was being harassed or abused by him, then clearly it didn't stick or possibly didn't exist since he is staying.

Shaw's goal vs. Leicester in the opening game was well-taken, and overall he has been one of United's better players this season. Mourinho can use this as an example that he hasn't harassed players, and his players can progress and enhance under his guidance.

Top Four isn't impossible

Manchester United v Newcastle United - Premier League

As things stand after the Saturday games, United are 7 points behind fourth place. However, there still is much of the season to go. And they still have to play the other top sides, and there is time to gain space on the top four.

Arsenal's form has improved lately, and City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur all won at the weekend. Bournemouth also is doing well and could challenge for the Europa League spots. Whilst Watford and Wolves, despite the latter losing to the former, will look to challenge for these spots also.

United evidently hold better players than Wolves, Watford, and Bournemouth. However, they all are in similar league positions now, and United needs to do better to gain top four. Their presence complicates their push for Champions League football, given they also are looking to finish as high as possible.

So it's not impossible for them to get it, however, it will require a great change in their performances and tactics to enhance their league position. But this draw against Chelsea should give them hope. Especially since they held them toe to toe for much of the game.

If United get in touch of the top four this season, this could get Mourinho reprieve. If not, then this could be his downfall.

Europe

Manchester United drew their match against Valencia

United are currently doing poorly in their Champions League group, after a win vs. Young Boys of Switzerland, and a draw to Valencia. Valencia was unlucky not to win this game since poor finishing and weak final third play let them down.

They now face two games vs. Juventus, who now have Ronaldo, the former Manchester United player. He may well win six Champions Leagues with them this season, who knows? Juve will be a strong test for United in the coming week.

But this can be a great opportunity for Mourinho. Two good results could strengthen his hand, and possibly make finishing top of the group easier. This is contingent on good results vs. Valencia and Young Boys, granted. However, it would denote a positive trajectory, and bring hope to Man United overall.

And even if they finish third in the group, then the Europa League is an option, which Mourinho has won before with United. Chelsea and Arsenal would be strong competition for it, though it would bring saving grace, especially if United's top four push fades.

Getting the best out of underperforming players

Pogba has been mixed for United this season, and given the rumoured exchanges between the two, it would be another PR boon if he can improve him.

Sanchez has done poorly since he joined the club, certainly vis a vis his Arsenal form. His goal and winner vs. Newcastle United could be a new dawn for him. This remains to be seen though, but a vastly enhanced Alexis could be another plus for Mourinho.

It's even been reported that Martial says there is no rift between him and Mourinho, and he is happy at the club.

Martial and Rashford would be similar to Pogba and Alexis, though they need to be utilised more thoroughly. Rashford in particular, after his initial brace vs. Arsenal in 2016, has not progressed nor fulfilled his early promise.

Part of United's woes this season have been underperforming players, and if United is to improve, they need to get the best from them.

At this point, all is not lost

It's still early in the season, and there are many PL games to play. United has 29 more PL games to improve things. Yes, there are still issues with the club's structure. A director of football is still needed.

However, these are points beyond Mourinho's scope, and he can only control what happens on the pitch and how his own players perform and are coached.

The Chelsea game shows United, when they want to, can enhance things and match the best. And Chelsea whilst not many's title favourites definitely have been amongst the strongest starters.

If Mourinho can steady the ship, and get a respectable league position and better results, then he may well ride out his "third season" malaise.

Can all be rosy again, soon? Who knows? But it's a chance to reset the mistakes.