After a little over 5 months out of work, Jose Mourinho was hired formally as manager of Manchester United. With David Moyes not leading the team to the Champions League for the first time since 1995, and Louis van Gaal only winning the FA Cup in two years in charge, the swagger that the Red Devils had under Sir Alex Ferguson disappeared before everyone's eyes. With numerous achievements with Porto, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, his determination to win is what United need to return to their former selves.
With that dedication, however, comes his other side. Numerous arguments with managers referees, and a seemingly frosty relationship with the media. It seems like he’d be the first to pick a fight with anyone who questions his ways. Seeing how his second Chelsea stint started and ended quickly, I believe he can do the reverse, bringing United back to the top after embarrassing league defeats, early Champions League/Europa League exits, and less prestigious trophies won.
Back to the Champions League
Despite the number of fixtures that pop up because of European competitions, I believe that a strong side with a somewhat large squad can manage the numerous fixtures that occur when a side is still in the European, domestic cup, and league competitions. It’s no secret that the Red Devils being out of the Champions League is a strange sight to behold. After missing out with David Moyes at the helm, and being eliminated in the group stage with Louis van Gaal in charge, United fans hoped for the top international competition in Europe.
This year they’re against Dutch side Feyenoord, Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, and Fenerbahce, where former striker Robin van Persie plays. While the heartbreak of Nani’s red card and Real Madrid’s win in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge feels like a distant memory, a strong Europa League campaign under Mourinho will reassure the United faithful that European success can still be achieved. Getting into the Champions League isn’t the main goal, but it’s a start to turn the side around from the forgetful last few years.
Mourinho will spark the players
While the amount of articles stating the unrest at United last season with Van Gaal can be up for interpretation, their passion, and effort when watching their matches was evidently absent, with embarrassing losses against Arsenal, Norwich, and Southampton during their league campaign.
The firing and replacing of an old manager with a new one can bring uncertainty for players, especially instrumental players like the club captain. Tactics, squad size, and even meals provided by the club can be changed by a new manager.
I don’t think any of his former clubs would question his dedication to winning, although his style isn’t liked by all, at the end of the day, winning is what successful clubs do. He’s brought in big names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan compared to his predecessors bringing in the oft-criticised Marouane Fellaini, flop Falcao, and promising Anthony Martial.
Arguably improved the most out of the top sides
With those four players stated above brought in, United have improved each weakness from last season. Poor defending, creative midfield, and a striker that is good aerially and can help out young talent Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with their development. Arsenal brought in Granit Xhaka, with defensive and attacking questions still asked. Chelsea bought Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante to turn around last year’s disappointment, and Manchester City spent nearly £150 million on 7 players to boost their squad.
Ultimately, throwing money at the problems won’t always solve it. This is where United have succeeded, bringing a manager who is bold and energetic to spark the side. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, has been given strong sides that don’t need any changes, with powerhouse Barcelona and perennial domestic champions Bayern Munich.
One of his biggest weaknesses
Despite his energetic and passionate personality being seen as a positive, it leads to his eccentric outbursts on other managers and referees. He described Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as a specialist in failure and had an explicit rant at Premier League referee Jon Moss. This also occurred during his time at Real Madrid, when he was seen gouging FC Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova’s eye during a skirmish at the end of the 2011 Supercopa de Espana.
He also implied referee bias against his side after losses in an El Clasico fixture in 2010 and the Champions League semi-final match against Barcelona in 2011. This makes him seemingly to be a poor sport rather than a humble manager on the losing side. On one hand, he will never back down from a challenge, on the other, he will never back down from a fight.
Conclusion
With everything said, I firmly believe Mourinho will be a big asset to Manchester United’s revival and with an FA Community Shield and three wins in three fixtures to his name, the early signs indicate that he will be a success in his first season in charge.
As long as all hands are on deck, and he doesn’t get in trouble for controversial comments, there’s no reason to believe he won’t succeed. Winning a European competition would be one thing, but winning the Premier League would be the ultimate prize for the Red Devils.
If he can continue to motivate the players through the season, develop young players like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Jesse Lingard, the way they’ve been playing, the sky is the limit to what they can achieve. A Manchester Derby victory against City and rival manager Pep Guardiola will further boost his image amongst United’s fans and continue the legacy of one of the top managers of all time.
