After Manchester United‘s appointment of Jose Mourinho for the 2016-17 season, fans and pundits alike spent the summer eagerly anticipating the new era. After three wins from the opening three games, as well as the Community Shield victory over Leicester City, it is a case of “so far, so good” for Jose.
So Far, So Good For United Boss Jose Mourinho
In hindsight, it was inevitable. From the moment Mourinho had been sacked by Chelsea in December 2015 there was incessant speculation that “The Special One” was heading to Old Trafford. When the announcement was finally made just days after United’s triumph in the F.A. Cup final, it came as no surprise to anyone—other than, perhaps, Louis Van Gaal. Many fans greeted the news positively; indeed, some had been anticipating it since December. For others there was a lot of skepticism.
Over the excitement of it all, two obvious questions were raised:
Would the style of play that Mourinho-managed teams typically adopt suit the traditions of Manchester United?
And would Mourinho embrace the culture of promoting youth players to the first team?
Familiar Foes: Mourinho v Guardiola
Perhaps the first question raised is unfair. Those in the Mourinho camp point to his Real Madrid side and the incredible amount of goals scored (121 league goals in the 2011-2012 season alone). It is true, though, that in the big games Mourinho employs a more cautious approach—none more so than when up against Pep Guardiola’s sides.
Much has been made about the rivalry between Pep and Jose during their time in Spain, but as both have rightly pointed out, the situation was much different. In the Premier League there are more than two teams challenging for the title in any given year, thus the need to face onslaught from many fronts.
Certainly this does not mean that the tactical battle between the two will be any less interesting. With the first Manchester Derby just days away, and with Manchester City also enjoying a flying start, fans from both sides are already building the match to a crescendo.
The derby will bring about the first big test for both managers. Guardiola appears to have already imprinted his style of play onto the City team well, and they look unstoppable going forward. It will be interesting to see the tactics Mourinho will adopt in this game with it being at Old Trafford. Though they can expect to be under pressure at times, United fans will want to see their team attack.
The Selection Process
In interviews, Mourinho has said all the right things. He has acknowledged the traditions of the club, and the aforementioned questions regarding playing style and youth policy. It would appear that off the pitch he has won over the vast majority of fans with his words. Also consider what many feel was a hugely successful transfer market. All four of Mourinho’s acquisitions have settled into the team well.
Getting Paul Pogba back from Juventus was a real coup, and the world record transfer has sent out a real statement of intent. Pogba was fantastic against Southampton on his second debut for the club, all the more impressive considering he has had no pre-season.
Eric Bailly, the young defender signed from Villareal, has already made an impact with some solid performances. He seems to be well suited for the Premier League, establishing a strong partnership with the criminally under-rated Daley Blind—Chris Smalling may have some job in getting back in the team, which is also a great concern for England.
Then there is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who still looks world class, despite his age, and has defied many pundits in taking to the Premier League as well as he has.
The one signing United fans have not yet seen a lot of this season is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a player of proven quality from his time at Borussia Dortmund. When he has been on pitch, the Armenian has shown glimpses of this quality. After coming on in the weekend’s late victory over Hull, along with Marcus Rashford, he changed the game by giving United more impetus. And in the words of Mourinho, he added “diversity”.
With these additions, Mourinho has reinforced an already strong defence; appears to have solved the midfield problem that has been the crux of United’s failings in recent seasons; and has brought in a striker who guarantees goals. All of a sudden, United have a lot of options with a big squad of talented players that can change games.
On the Pitch
During the first half in the match against Bournemouth, it was almost a case of ‘so far, so Van Gaal’. However, much has changed even at such an early stage. The victories over Bournemouth and Southampton are indicative of improvement for the simple fact that these were losses last season. Yet without a doubt the late win away at Hull is the evidence that Mourinho is rectifying the problems of the Van Gaal era. The general consensus among United fans after the game is one of enthusiasm.
United’s incomprehensibly-boring-at-times style of play last year made it easy for organised teams like Hull to contain them. Clearly there were many games where United were short on ideas. On the evidence so far this season, United look like a team who can challenge for honours this season—provided Mourinho can manage his squad well, that is. Though with the quality of teams in the league, particularly Manchester City and Chelsea, no one side can be made clear favourites. Still, Mourinho will be happy with what he has seen thus far. And Of course, this could all change come Derby day.
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