Unconvincing, and fairly uninspiring, but Manchester United did just enough to get three much needed Europa League points in a 1-0 win over FC Zorya Luhansk at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho acknowledged just as much after the game, before making the rather astounding claim that, “It is difficult to have the team highly motivated because we don’t want to play Europa League“.
Manchester United 1-0 Zorya: Mourinho admits lack of motivation
It is fair to say some United fans will take exception to the managers comments, whilst some will argue he has a case. Of course, United are a massive club, and on reputation should be in the Champions League. Finishing 5th last season and missing out on a place in Europe’s elite competition for the second time in three seasons was a bitter pill to swallow, yet no club has a God-given right to qualification, as Inter Milan and AC Milan have found out in recent times. The reality is, however, that United are in the Europa League, and owe it to their fans to be motivated for every game, regardless of the competition or opposition. Looked at on this basis, Mourinho’s comments will be quite alarming for the fans who have paid good money to attend the game.
Mourinho’s comments are even more bewildering when you consider the prize of Champions League football for the competition winners. With teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all in good form in the Premier League, as well as a Chelsea side who may or may not improve under Antonio Conte, it would be foolish to assume that United are certainties for that elusive top four finish. United have done nothing so far to suggest that it will be a foregone conclusion.
What is easy to predict, based on tonight’s performance, is United’s progression in the Europa League. Make no mistake, if United carry on being unmotivated they will not make it out of the group. Their next game is at home to Fenerbahce, who did them a bit of a favour by beating Feyenoord 1-0. That result, coincided with United’s win, leaves them in a good position, if they do the job against the Turkish giants in three weeks time.
Managing competitions
Without a doubt, United have a squad to manage the four competitions they are in this season, and fans would have anticipated a good performance when the team was announced before the game, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata all starting. What they got was a rather lacklustre performance overall. There were moments, such as Rashford’s first half effort that crashed down off the bar. Yet two shots on target tells a story in itself, and the game was a bit of a damp squid.
That’s not to take anything away from Zorya, who deserve respect for not lying down and rolling over for United’s superstars. They did, at times, look dangerous on the break, exposing United’s weaknesses and lack of motivation. Though they were helped by United’s woeful passing, something that has become a feature in United games for a good number of years now.
Pogba and Fellaini doesn’t work
What can be taken from this game is Pogba and Fellaini in midfield doesn’t work. This was another game played out at a slugs pace, lacking the urgency and creativity that is there when Ander Herrera is playing. There is also the ongoing media circus around Wayne Rooney, who came off the bench to assist Ibrahimovic’s winning goal, though with the assist coming of his knee, it can be classed as a bit of fortune it fell into the path of the Swedish striker. The truth is Rooney still looks off he pace, and will probably be back on the bench for Sunday’s game against Stoke City.
Overall, United fans will be happy with the three points that kick start their Europa League campaign, and will be hoping that this can give the team added momentum. They may also be hoping that, next time, the players can find a bit of extra motivation.
