On Tuesday when Manchester United were held to a goalless draw against Valencia in their Champions League encounter, United coach Jose Mourinho – the Special One – reached a personal milestone. It may not be a happy one as for the first time in his managerial career, Mourinho has gone winless for four consecutive home matches.
Around a fortnight ago against Wolverhampton Wanderers at home United were held to a 1-1 draw. Four days later United miseries worsened. They were knocked out of the League Cup by Derby County FC, a club which competes in the English Football League Championship, the second-tier of English football. After drawing 2-2 in regulation time, United lost 7-8 in penalties. Against West Ham on Saturday, United suffered the same fate as they slumped to their third loss of the season with a 1-3 beating at the London Stadium. With the draw against Valencia at home, United has made matters really worse, especially for their manager.
With three wins and as many losses, and only 10 goals till now in the Premier League, certainly United are off to an ordinary start and their Portuguese manager might end up being the biggest casualty. His deteriorating relationship with his players, a typical Mourinho fare in his third season and his baffling formations and tactics hardly help his case.
This has been United’s worst start to the season since 1989. Under David Moyes in 2013, United were also on 10 points from seven games but on a better goal difference.
Deteriorating Relationship With Players
Pogba and Mourinho have been at loggerheads since last season. Rift escalated when the World Cup winning French footballer criticised United's style of play under Mourinho, asking for more attacking play. This was followed by Mourinho stripping Pogba of vice-captaincy without offering any explanation.
“The only truth is that I made the decision of Paul not to be the second captain any more. Just one decision that I don't have to explain,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
Players will now be cautious before being critical of Mourinho and his tactics.
Even Pogba was spooked to say anything after the weekend’s loss to West Ham United.
"You want me dead?" Pogba asked reporters when asked about the match.
Pogba might be at the centre-stage, but Mourinho’s relationship with his players has surely become a cause of concern for the bosses at Old Trafford.
Defender Luke Shaw was under Mourinho’s scanner for his training regime while Anthony Martial's commitment to the team was questioned in July because he left the tour of the United States to spend time with his newborn.
Even a seasoned campaigner like Antonio Valencia has been the target of his ire, along with Marcus Rashford.
Old Habits Die Hard
If we rewind to Mourinho’s last three managerial stint, his spat with the players is far from surprising. He has failed to extend his stay more than three seasons in his last three clubs, courtesy Mourinho’s strained relationship with his players and support staff.
In 2013, by the time he left Real Madrid his relationship had soured with all the key players. Even his second spell at Chelsea ended midway through his second season in 2015. The firing was blamed on the "palpable discord" he created, aggravated by a public row with the team doctor.
With Manchester City bringing in new recruits over the summer and having a great start to the season, Mourinho has been left high and dry, feeling frustrated with the club management and his squad.
Like always, when the going gets tough, somebody ends up in Mourinho’s firing line. And this time it is Paul Pogba.
If at the start of his career, it was referees, rival coaches and the media, now it is the conflicts with the club that Mourinho cherishes.
Questionable Tactics
Apart from his blame game theatrics, Mourinho’s tactics and formations have also become increasingly hard to defend.
After failing to recruit a new defender, the back-line duty fell upon Eric Bailly, only to be axed after the first two matches. After trying Herrera, midfielder Scott McTominay was deployed in a less familiar back three against West Ham United, and we all now how it ended for United.
And the curious case of Alexis Sanchez. He is on the left, on the right, and in the middle but that hardly made a difference. The Sanchez at Emirates was a different being altogether.
Like the defense, United’s midfield also bore a new look practically every game.
Pogba’s public plea of "attack, attack, attack” makes complete sense. Mourinho’s team has found the back of the net only ten times this season. United’s lack of going forward was compensated by a sturdy defense. But with the back-line crumbling in the last few encounters, it looks like Mourinho may be out of wits but too special to accept it.
Zidane’s Looming Presence
Rumours are rife that former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to replace Mourinho at Old Trafford. After Tuesday night’s draw against Valencia, the chants to bring in the three-times Champions League winning coach have just gone louder.
As if the rumours weren’t enough, Zidane’s picture in the club's official programme – a feature of United's memorable European nights – ahead of Valencia tie, was enough to keep the heat on Mourinho.
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