It is really surprising that the Special One or is it the only One now? is finding it difficult replicating his coaching prowess. Following his woeful performance with Chelsea last season and now again, he s struggling with Manchester United.
Despite top-notch arrivals in Frenchman Paul Pogba, old war-horse, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly
Though Mourinho and the Red Devils posted three premiership victories on the bounce, but losing three competitive games back to back is simply not good enough for the pedigree of the Portuguese and Manchester united.
But almost every football pundits around the planet believe are in consonance regarding why their recent dismal performances are not far-fetched.
1. The Rooney Conundrum
Yes, we all know Wayne Rooney is the captain of Manchester united and the poster boy of the Three Lions, but it is high time Manchester united and Mourinho told themselves the truth, that Wayne Rooney is no longer the young Evertonian that busted on to the scene in mid 2000s. He is now in his 30s and can no longer carry his legs. Mourinho should muster the courage to put him on the bench when the need arises and damn the expected outburst from Manchester United's supporters and the ever loquacious English Press.
And it should also be decided on his role on the pitch whenever he is featured . Is it the striking role or the attacking midfield role.
2. Juan Mata should not be a bit-part(Bench warmer) player
There is no doubling the genuine quality of Spaniard Juan Mata despite Mourinho's seemingly perceive lack of confidence in the lad. Recall Mourinho off-loaded him when he arrived on his second stint at Chelsea and his attitude towards the diminutive midfielder presently remain the same. I think Mata should be used more frequently and given the free-role in midfield since he is the best passer of the ball United currently possess.
3. Over-reliance on the Big Swede, Zlatan.
His goal scoring ratio is almost compared to known. He is regarded as one if the best forwards of all - time and of course he is Sweden's all time leading goal scorer. But the truth is, Ibrahimovic's best days are far beyond him particularly when the Swede Is already 34 and approaching the exit door of football. And this is the man Mourinho and Manchester United are tying their goal scoring hope on. It is a no-brainer. It is a given Zlatan would give United at least 25 goals this season, but resting their hope on him as the solution to their title- winning jigsaw is a long shot. The earlier The Special one realised this the better for them.
4. Paul Pogba's role is undefined
There is no gain saying that being the most expensive footballer in the world comes with huge pressure and expectations. And if you see from his games so far, the Frenchman wants to do everything ranging from shooting, dribbling and scoring at least to mark his enormous price tag on his head.
Is his position that of a central midfielder, defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder? Expecting Pogba to bust the premiership with his box to box performances week in week just like he did while at Juventus will be is a tough ask. If he is deployed as a defensive midfielder, the pressure of goal scoring would be removed and this would make him settle down quickly.
In conclusion, if Jose Mourinho settles these aforementioned points Manchester united should be fine.
Clement Ogbemudia is a journalist and a football Enthusiast.. Follow him twitter @Clem_ogbemudia
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Well said.I agree with you hook line and sinker
ReplyDeleteWell said.I agree with you hook line and sinker
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