Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace: 5 things learned | Premier League 2018-19

#5 Where does United go from here?

Mourinho's tactics have been questionable of late

The issue isn't just about Mourinho. Or whether the players are up to it, or are being properly motivated and nurtured.

The club needs a holistic review and change, from the board, players, manager, and direction.

United is today where Arsenal was a year to 18 months ago. Wenger was controlling all footballing facets, and results on the pitch were not very forthcoming. Moreover, the club needed a change, and this has come via Wenger, and key executive appointments such as Raul Sanhelli as head of football, and senior scout Sven Mislintat.

Mourinho's tactics have been questionable of late, but the issue is deeper than this.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, it's been a case of rudderlessness. The club did not anticipate his departure, and has seemingly relied more on commercial growth than success on the pitch.

Yes, there have been the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League wins. But the league form, bar the runners-up place last season, hasn't been stellar. Even then, United was far behind City, who won the league in record-breaking fashion.

Getting rid of Mourinho is an option, but like Arsenal and Wenger, it's not the entirety of the problem. Arsenal has acknowledged they needed structural change, and it has come. Whether it will deliver is moot naturally, but the club must be commended for doing this.

What Manchester United need is the same, and perhaps more. United's revenues are still the highest in the world, and most likely will be again despite Real Madrid's record-breaking Champions League win. United still sell shirts and merchandise, and thus attain much financially. If this continues, will there be a catalyst or prompt for change?

Things may get worse before they get better, and it's time for United's fans to put pressure on the club and board. Until then, a seventh or eighth place finish may result, which for a club of United's history, traditions, financial strength, and even player quality, is insufficient and unacceptable.