4 Ways Jose Mourinho can turn Manchester United's fortunes around this season

The start of this season has been a bit of a weird one for Manchester United and it's supporters as they have struggled to gather any real momentum amidst reports of a rift between some of the players and the manager Jose Mourinho and a string of indifferent results.

There have also been constant links with French icon Zinedine Zidane who has been touted as a potential replacement for the under-pressure United head coach as uncertainty looms large over the Old Trafford camp. However, if there is one thing Jose Mourinho is good at, it's winning. Here are some of the changes he can make to lead the Red Devils to glory this season:

---

#4 Tweak his defensive shape in order to provide more freedom to the attacking players

Manchester United have been found out defensively too often this season.

If there was one thing that was obvious when you looked at Manchester United's transfer activity this season, it was that they wanted a top quality center half. They were linked with about as many as a dozen of them over the span of the transfer window but failed to acquire even one.

And it seems that Jose was right to be concerned about his defensive options as it was made obvious to him that his defenders were not good enough to mount a serious title challenge when they shipped 7 goals in their first 3 matches, failing to keep a clean sheet.

Mourinho reacted to this by sticking Fellaini at the back against Burnley, reinforcing his defense and allowing the likes of Sanchez and Lingard more freedom to run at the Burnley defense without having to worry about tracking back. Although it's too early to say Mourinho is onto something permanent, it is certainly something to look out for.

#3 Focus on Europe

Jose loves a European cup run.

Although we're only a month into the season, Manchester United have shown a level of frailty and inconsistency which would suggest that they will struggle to mount a title charge which- given that Mourinho is in the 3rd year of his contract- would be the target set out for them.

So how does Jose turn his fortunes around? By targeting the Champions League, of course. If he decides to do so, it won't come as a surprise to most, as he did something similar in the lead up to United's Europa League triumph in his 1st season at the helm, finishing 6th in the process. However, finishing outside the top 4 would be inexcusable, and that's something he will be well aware of.

Jose might also look to bitter rivals Liverpool for inspiration, who despite finishing 4th in the league last season reached the Champions League final which they eventually lost to Real Madrid. Although it seems a far cry at the moment, Manchester United to possess players who, on their day, can defeat any team pit up against them; as shown by the fact that they beat every single team in the league last season at least once.

#2 Make smart additions in the winter transfer window

Ed Woodward would need to pull out the cheque book

Manchester United bought Brazilian midfielder Fred, a young fullback in Dalot and a third choice keeper in Lee Grant- far from the spectacular transfer window that the supporters were expecting.

It was also far from the ideal transfer window for Mourinho as he failed to get the experienced center back he craved. This led to reports of a rift between the boss and Ed Woodward- Manchester United's CEO- but Jose was quick to garbage those reports, insisting he had good relations with the club hierarchies.

Jose would look to make good use of these relations in the next transfer window as he bolsters his squad in order to compete maybe for next season's title. He would also be encouraged by the rule changes made by UEFA which state that up to 3 players bought in January can be made eligible to play in the champions league and that is definitely something the Red Devils would look to exploit.

Alderweireld would be the ideal signing for Mourinho.

Mourinho would be keeping a special eye out for Toby Alderweireld who has once again found himself to be at the fringes at Spurs and is out of contract next season. Don't rule out a Alexis-esque move for him in January.

#4 Plan for a serious challenge next season

The Manchester United boss still has plenty to do this season.

After a shocking defeat to Brighton and a thrashing at the hands of Spurs, many fans have been questioning what might be considered a successful season for the Red Devils. A title challenge already looks a far cry and European success is never guaranteed, but there are still things to be optimistic about for the Mancunian faithful.

A cup trophy and a top 4 finish would be a priority for Jose Mourinho, but he would also be looking to assess his squad to figure out the changes he needs to make in order to challenge for next season's title. He has done well in the last few weeks, to get the supporters on his side by publicly praising the patience and support shown by them amidst a start-stop season for the club.

He would like to clear out the deadwood out of the squad before next season, and might also want to give some of the very talented youth players he has at his disposal in the cup games- another move which would help him in winning the fans over.

Although it might seem like it, all hope isn't lost and Manchester United have plenty to look forward to this season.