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Manchester United are enjoying their best spell in the post-Ferguson era in 2017-18. They currently sit second in the league table only behind their local rivals Manchester City. United have won 17 of their 26 matches, and boast the best defensive record, having conceded just 18 goals in the league this season.
The three-time European Champions are still in the race for the Champions League and the FA Cup. If they manage to hold on the second spot and lift either of the trophies, it would be a satisfactory season for them.
However, much of the criticism has been about Jose Mourinho's tactics and the way he approaches the games against the big six. United have won just two of the six games played against the top six teams, having netted only 5 times in the process.
The problems of the Portuguese boss appear to be increasing after a shambolic display against Spurs at Wembley. On that note, we take a closer look at the issues the Red Devils seem to currently be facing:
#3 United's recent shakiness at the back
Manchester United had quite an affirming defence at the start of the new season but have been struggling in their own final third lately. Since Eric Bailly got injured in December, Jose has shuffled his defence regularly.
He has often played Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, and Phil Jones in a back-three and has preferred the duo of Smalling and Jones more often. Jones' flick into his own net at Wembley was perhaps the most spectacular goal he has ever scored in his entire career.
In the English duo, United have two defenders who are the perfect personification of the chasm between a good and a great centre-back pairing. In December alone, United had three consecutive draws against Burnley, Leicester and Southampton. Jesse Lingard saved the blushes against Burnley by netting the equaliser in the injury time.
Against the oppositions who fancy their chances on the ball, the United defence looks sub-standard. The problem could be exploited by Sevilla who would not be taking the foot off the gas against the English side. Defence is something, Mourinho's teams are known for.
With a hectic month ahead, Jose will have to figure out a way quickly enough to deal with the problem. United face Seville and entertain Chelsea within a five-day span. Even "parking-the-bus" may invoke some criticism but it would not be such a bad idea presently for Jose if he has any plans to enter the semi-finals of the Champions League.
#2 Midfield trouble
Manchester United have what looks to be the most sorted midfield (on paper) with the likes of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, and Juan Mata. The bench strength of their midfield appeared to be sensational in August when Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick were fighting for places in Jose's XI. While Matic sits in front of the back four, Pogba pushes the attack higher up the pitch in what is Jose's favourite 4-2-3-1 formation.
Of late, the Portuguese was criticized for playing Pogba in a deeper role and consequently, he gave the Frenchman the license to provide more support to the attacking quartet. While the plan started working for the Portuguese, the back-line looked vulnerable as Matic was left much exposed.
The shambolic Manchester United performance at Wembley was irrefutably exacerbated by the Frenchman's worst performance in the red shirt. Pogba was a trespasser for much of the game and was hauled off at the stroke of half-time. Adding to the woes is Nemanja Matic who has been struggling of late after an impressive start for United.
Jose has already called out for reinforcements in the midfield but he needs to find an immediate solution to the problem as the round of 16 of the Champions League and FA Cup linger over Old Trafford.
#1 The Alexis Sanchez jigsaw
Manchester United managed to hijack Alexis Sanchez who looked set to reunite with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Sanchez-Mkhitaryan swap has been upheld as a wonderful piece of business. The Red Devils have handed their iconic No. 7 jersey to Sanchez and the Chilean has risen to the expectations of the fans claiming two man-of-the-match awards in his three appearances for United.
Alexis's signing was well questioned by the pundits as the concerns about his position at Old Trafford were left unanswered. If Mourinho plays Alexis on the left, he may have to drop Anthony Martial, who has arguably been United's best player so far this season. Not to mention, Marcus Rashford who has been playing a second-fiddle to Martial recently.
Alternatively, if Sanchez was put on the right he would be on his unfavourable wing which is something one would not prefer, especially if the player is being paid £500,000 a week.
The extent of the problem was evident when Martial was struggling on the right against Spurs while the former-Arsenal-man played on the left. In Sanchez, United may have bought a proven star but his playing position remains a matter of concern for Mourinho.
