Manchester United are reportedly close to announcing Jose Mourinho as their next manager. The Red Devils have had a rough time in replacing Sir Alex Ferguson since the Scotsman left the club.
David Moyes was the first to try his hand at the job. It is safe to say his tenure was a spectacular failure. The club finished 7th that season, with Moyes getting the sack even before the season ended as Giggs served as interim manager.
When Louis Van Gaal arrived at the club there was a lot of optimism considering his reputation but the Dutchman underachieved while playing football that the club are not known for.
United are hoping Mourinho can turn their fortunes around and bring an exciting brand of football as well. But Dutch legend Ronald De Boer feels Van Gaal and Mourinho are not very different.
Speaking to ESPNFC he said, “He is similar. Most of the time what I know -- and it's the same with Mourinho -- you hate him or you love him. People run away with the impression of Mourinho and it's the same with Van Gaal.”
De Boer feels Van Gaal is a likeable manager and any player would be happy to work under him. “There will always be players who are not playing who will dislike him. Always. But generally, most of the players will for sure like Van Gaal, the way that he treated them and took his managing role in the team.”
De Boer also praised the Portuguese and believes he has similar qualities to Van Gaal. ”[Mourinho] is very good. He can shape a team and go straight for results. He is like Van Gaal, a workaholic and prepares perfectly on how to win. Sometimes it is not pretty but he knows how to grind out wins. That is what you get.”
Jose Mourinho will fulfil one of his desires if he is appointed as the next manager. Louis Van Gaal did manage to win the FA Cup which was the club’s 12th level with record holders Arsenal but that wasn’t enough to keep him at the club for the last year of his contract
Fans are worried about the style of play the Portuguese will bring to the club, but also whether he would continue the tradition of promoting youth at the club. The future of Ryan Giggs is also up in the air with several rumours suggesting he will leave if Mourinho takes the reigns.
