Style doesn't bother me these days, just about anyones football will be better than LvG's when you think about it, the issue is simply a case of... would we be getting the real Mourinho, or would we be getting the man who didn't seem far away from a total breakdown the last few months.
Mouri or not Mouri, that is the question. No doubt his stock has fallen since Chelsea's catastrophic title defence. For me though he's banked enough credit for us to overlook that, I mean we mustn't forget it was him lifting that title not even a year ago. I think the whole Chelsea afair can be explained through poor summer recruitment, unmotivated players and a lack of hunger. So it depends on how much blame Jose must take for those factors.
Regarding their transfers they didn't really strengthen at all and that's a criminal mistake that has to be proven seemingly every season now and yet still no one takes notice. I don't know the ins and outs of Chelsea's system for decision making on transfers so I can't really comment on whether Mourinho is at fault or not, he seemed to be targeting the right players like Stones - long term replacment for Terry - but again dunno how much say he has or control.
The lack of hunger seems to manifest itself amongst all squads who reach the top, managers struggle to keep them motivated to stay there, one of Fergie's greatest strengths and probabaly the reason why only 1 other manager apart from him in Premeir League history has successfully retained the trophy (no prizes for guessing who that other manager is). This fault sort of feeds into the other, why Chelsea's players have looked a shadow of themselves, unmotivated and tired. Could probably blame Mou’s rotation policy and pushing them all the way last year but I want a manager who will push our players, who will ensure they reach their potential and win. Think it's also worth noting that Chelsea have a big problem in their dressing room with player power, it's toxic and Mourinho isn't the first to experience it.
All in all I wouldn't hold Chelsea's half season against him as I think he's too much of a serial winner for it to be anything more than an exaggerated blip. I may be wrong and I'm not saying he was blameless but in my eyes he's still one of the best managers around, and I'm talking top 2. Besides who knows, maybe the United job and him will be a match made in heaven.