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#1. Is Jose Mourinho trying to prove something?
It isn’t difficult to figure out that there is a rift between Mourinho and Ed Woodward. The manager is understandably unsatisfied with the club’s transfer activity, and Woodward’s inability to land an experienced centre-back. In fact, the clear difference between United and Spurs in their game last season was the presence of Toby Alderweireld, who single-handedly led the Tottenham’s backline; much in contrast with United’s backline which crumbled under pressure after the first goal.
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Nevertheless, there has been a remarkable in the style of play too, and it is definitely not a coincidence that Mourinho is looking to tweak tactics that could offer enthrallment and effective results too. The Portuguese had failed to instil a consistent playing pattern, but after seeing his position in doubt after a poor start to the season, Mourinho seems intent on making a statement.
The defeat against Spurs was a dent to the team’s confidence, but the confidence, passion and the intent with which United’s players played that day was remarkable. Similarly, there was an interesting dynamism in United’s gameplay today, and an improvement in the overall cohesion of the team too.
Sanchez, Luke Shaw and Pogba seemed to combine well together, especially the Chilean who was a livewire from the left flank. The team had gelled brilliantly on the field, and this could certainly put bed to the rumours of the manager losing control over the dressing room.
Another interesting occurrence has been Mourinho’s insistence on bringing the fans on his side in his battle against the board. The former Porto boss certainly has the fans’ back currently, and with an improved style of play, they surely would support him until the end. In his previous stints with Real Madrid and Chelsea, Mourinho lost the fans’ backing towards the end of the tenure.
However, United’s fans are relatively more patient, and tend to support their manager through the thick and the thin. Eager to gain their confidence, Mourinho has been engaging in certain gestures that one would normally not associate with him.
After the Tottenham defeat, he went to the home stand and applauded the supporters for two minutes, a gesture for having cheered the lads until the final whistle blew. When he went to watch United’s U-23 take on Stoke City’s U-23 team at Old Trafford a couple of days ago, Mourinho spent some time with fans from the disabled section. Tonight, whilst crossing the field, he again went towards the away stand and expressed his positive emotions by handing over a couple of items to some fans.
With small acts like these, Mourinho will undoubtedly earn the trust of the Old Trafford faithful, something that can help him buy some time to pursue success at Manchester United too. Until then, chants singing ‘Mourinho’s Red Army’ are going to be sung loud and clear throughout the ground.
