EFL Cup 2018/19: 4 reasons why Derby County could upset Manchester United

#4: Mourinho might not be taking the competition seriously

With Champions League action this season, how seriously is Mourinho likely to take the EFL Cup?

Jose Mourinho is undoubtedly a winner who usually takes every competition he’s involved with seriously – including a secondary cup competition like the EFL Cup. After all, we’re not that far removed from United’s triumph in the competition under Mourinho in 2016/17 – one of the few plus points for the Red Devils in what was largely a disappointing season.

There were a number of big differences between 2016/17 and today, though. Firstly, although United spent big that summer – largely to bring Paul Pogba in from Juventus – there wasn’t as much pressure on Mourinho to instantly deliver the Premier League, given he was expected to rebuild following the Van Gaal and Moyes disasters. And secondly, they weren’t involved in the Champions League.

In 2018/19 though, that isn’t the case. Although they’ve stuttered thus far, United are still expected to be in Premier League title contention, and most fans are also expecting them to make a dent in the Champions League too, particularly as they’ve been given a relatively soft group. And so can it really be expected for them to take the EFL Cup as seriously as they once did?

It’s probably unlikely – Mourinho may well play some of his fringe players, the likes of Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira and Victor Lindelof rather than his first choice side. On paper it should be enough to overcome Derby County, but in reality that may not be the case – United’s fringe side could be nervous due to the stressful situation at Old Trafford, making them potential victims of an upset.