José Mourinho | 2018/19 Performances

[Walters_19_MuFc]

“But I told the players we had very good periods, we had lots of glimpses of the football we wanted to play" - Jose Mourinho

I guess Mourinho is talking about counter attacking football, as we sat back against Leicester quite a lot, regardless of being at home and tried to counter.

Only thing I would say is that, if we're going to play that style, then I personally wouldn't have Sanchez and Mata on the wings, as they are players who like to come to the ball as opposed to running off it.

 

[Adisa]

I'm still not happy about his fondness to surrender possession to every team that wants it. We had three midfielders yesterday who are fantastic with the ball. I'd I've liked it if we let them have it as much as possible. Was annoying seeing us happy to let them pass it around. I don't think it helps with the atmosphere around the stadium either.
We were a bit more aggressive without the ball, which is a plus.

 

[Andycoleno9]

One player can change whole squad, just think how good this squad would be if we did transfers like jose wanted. Wilian on rw, toby on central defender and sandro(?) on left back? We would be head to head with city for title. I am sure.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

“But I told the players we had very good periods, we had lots of glimpses of the football we wanted to play" - Jose Mourinho

I guess Mourinho is talking about counter attacking football, as we sat back against Leicester quite a lot, regardless of being at home and tried to counter.

Only thing I would say is that, if we're going to play that style, then I personally wouldn't have Sanchez and Mata on the wings, as they are players who like to come to the ball as opposed to running off it.

I think that’s ok if we have fullbacks bombing on on both flanks. Maybe he’s hoping that Shaw and Dalot can give us that by the end of this season?

 

[Andycoleno9]

I think that’s ok if we have fullbacks bombing on on both flanks. Maybe he’s hoping that Shaw and Dalot can give us that by the end of this season?

Role of full backs are underrated among football fans. Two class full backs can do wonders for general style of play. Or can be passengers like darmian is.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

I think that’s ok if we have fullbacks bombing on on both flanks. Maybe he’s hoping that Shaw and Dalot can give us that by the end of this season?

Role of full backs are underrated among football fans. Two class full backs can do wonders for general style of play. Or can be passengers like darmian is.

When you play a possession based style, then of course full backs are vital. They allow overloads out wide and more often than not, are the players who get in behind teams, who sit deep and compact. City and Liverpool are great examples of teams who use their full backs effectively.

However, it is much different when countering a team. More often than not, it's your wingers and strikers who get involved in the counter, as they are higher up the pitch than the full backs.

 

[pocco]

So I'm just catching up with this thread after the game on Friday and even people that aren't his biggest fans are staying positive. I'm enjoying the comments because it seems everyone is getting behind the team again after the summer, then I come to this out of nowhere...

I don't know what to say anymore. Its been a mess this season.

Fractured relationship with the board
Fractured relationship with the players
Fractured relationship with the media
Fanbase in general meltdown.

He is the well and truly the most divisive manager we have ever had. Every thing they said about him at Chelsea and Real Madrid is true.

He might still win a trophy or two this season, but it has come at a seriously high cost to our reputation.

I guess people just love to hate

Couldn't even wait until the first dropped points of the season to declare it "a mess of a season". Only one game in. I genuinely hate some of our fans more than opposition fans - I don't think they realise the damage they do by constantly spewing negativity.

 

[spiriticon]

So I'm just catching up with this thread after the game on Friday and even people that aren't his biggest fans are staying positive. I'm enjoying the comments because it seems everyone is getting behind the team again after the summer, then I come to this out of nowhere...


I guess people just love to hate

Couldn't even wait until the first dropped points of the season to declare it "a mess of a season". Only one game in. I genuinely hate some of our fans more than opposition fans - I don't think they realise the damage they do by constantly spewing negativity.

It's not the results that is a mess. Its the reputation of the club. That has more lasting damage then just bad results.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

I won't expect him to challenge for the title with this squad. Any top 4 position is the target for me for this season.
We may have quality in many positions, but there is still a lack in 3 or 4. City and to a lesser extent Liverpool, don't have the same issues with their first teams.

Hopefully next seasons window will be planned better between Mourinho and Woodward.

 

[Ramshock]

This guy Howson is interviewing describes Joses situation and our new breed of fans to a tee.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

This guy Howson is interviewing describes Joses situation and our new breed of fans to a tee.

He also says that Leroy Sane didn't go to the world cup, because he was treated by pep's "special doctor".

I don't blame fans for being frustrated. We all want to see this club back at the top, and the mismanagement we have had over the years are extremely frustrating.

 

[UncleBob]

This guy Howson is interviewing describes Joses situation and our new breed of fans to a tee.

But he doesn't.

"I think Jose made it quite clear on Friday night, this is the really really interesting thing that I think Manchester United fans should be made aware of, is that he doesn't get to choose who plays for Manchester United and who signs for Manchester United"

It's an absurd notion. Zlatan, Bailly, Pogba, Mkhi, Sanchez, Lindelof, Matic, Lukaku, Fred, Dalot, all signings based on instructions from Mourinho.

Him not getting all the players he wants is not the same as he's not getting any of them.

Then there's the narrative that Woodward was the one that pointed out Moyes as the successor to Ferguson. Christ.

I find it weird that the subject is being debated on false grounds, it seems like people have just decided which narrative they want to believe, and will eat up absolutely anything that fits the story they prefer.

 

[Greck]

But he doesn't.

"I think Jose made it quite clear on Friday night, this is the really really interesting thing that I think Manchester United fans should be made aware of, is that he doesn't get to choose who plays for Manchester United and who signs for Manchester United"

It's an absurd notion. Zlatan, Bailly, Pogba, Mkhi, Sanchez, Lindelof, Matic, Lukaku, Fred, Dalot, all signings based on instructions from Mourinho.

Him not getting all the players he wants is not the same as he's not getting any of them.

Then there's the narrative that Woodward was the one that pointed out Moyes as the successor to Ferguson. Christ.

I find it weird that the subject is being debated on false grounds, it seems like people have just decided which narrative they want to believe, and will eat up absolutely anything that fits the story they prefer.

Didn't watch it as it's likely the same tinfoil narratives one can read on here but anyone blaming the Moyes hiring on Woodward isn't right. Woodward's tenure started after Fergie left. Trying to backdate Woody's tenure to put more blame on him is typical

 

[LeftyBlaster]

I think that’s ok if we have fullbacks bombing on on both flanks. Maybe he’s hoping that Shaw and Dalot can give us that by the end of this season?

It’s not just that I think. There was a lot less incidences of hoofball despite Leicester dominating possession. We actually tried to pass the ball and the movement was a lot better than what we saw last season. Granted that it was only one game, perhaps we’re seeing Carrick and McKenna’s work on the training ground.

 

[Rash Decision]

It’s not just that I think. There was a lot less incidences of hoofball despite Leicester dominating possession. We actually tried to pass the ball and the movement was a lot better than what we saw last season. Granted that it was only one game, perhaps we’re seeing Carrick and McKenna’s work on the training ground.

Agreed. I thought there were signs of a positive change in approach and was surprised by the reaction after the game. I would be patient with Jose if he shows genuine intention to improve our style, as he'll need time to get it right. My worry is that we'll get hammered trying to play in a style he isn't used to and revert to last season's approach.

 

[redIndianDevil]

It’s not just that I think. There was a lot less incidences of hoofball despite Leicester dominating possession. We actually tried to pass the ball and the movement was a lot better than what we saw last season. Granted that it was only one game, perhaps we’re seeing Carrick and McKenna’s work on the training ground.

If lukaku had started we'd have seen a lot more hoofballs. We will have to wait and see the next game.

 

[LeftyBlaster]

Agreed. I thought there were signs of a positive change in approach and was surprised by the reaction after the game. I would be patient with Jose if he shows genuine intention to improve our style, as he'll need time to get it right. My worry is that we'll get hammered trying to play in a style he isn't used to and revert to last season's approach.

So was I. Lots of people calling it a substandard performance. I personally saw lots of positives and really hope we kick on with this approach on a more consistent basis.

 

[AR87]

So was I. Lots of people calling it a substandard performance. I personally saw lots of positives and really hope we kick on with this approach on a more consistent basis.

I'm very excited for Fred. I think the linkup he offers in addition to being able to turn and carry the ball forward as well as play progressive passes into attacking areas is going to add an additional dimension to the team. I was pleasantly surprised with his passing range if I'm being honest.

 

[Womp]

I'm very excited for Fred. I think the linkup he offers in addition to being able to turn and carry the ball forward as well as play progressive passes into attacking areas is going to add an additional dimension to the team. I was pleasantly surprised with his passing range if I'm being honest.

I agree, but he looked sloppy on the ball at times. Was getting dispossessed at times due to a heavy first touch. Hoping it was more of a fitness issue than a technical one. He's going to need to improve on that aspect of his game, especially if we are going to opt for a 3 man midfield.

 

[AR87]

I agree, but he looked sloppy on the ball at times. Was getting dispossessed at times due to a heavy first touch. Hoping it was more of a fitness issue than a technical one. He's going to need to improve on that aspect of his game, especially if we are going to opt for a 3 man midfield.

Agreed.

 

[#07]

Given that the press would have you believe that Mourinho is a blood sucking monster, you'd think Blind would've had less positive things to say about Jose.

Maybe things at Man Utd aren't as bad as the media's been making out, eh?

 

[Foxbatt]

I have a question why this has changed? In his first season we were very good in creating chances and our general play. We simply could not score and missed a whole lot of chances. That was why we didn't make the top 4. In his second season, we stopped creating those chances. Why?

 

[Leftback99]

I have a question why this has changed? In his first season we were very good in creating chances and our general play. We simply could not score and missed a whole lot of chances. That was why we didn't make the top 4. In his second season, we stopped creating those chances. Why?

Too many changes every week, loss of Ibrahimovic who was creative as well as a target, Pogba deciding he didn't like playing in a two man midfield, not enough games for Martial, too many games for others who offer very little.

 

[RORY65]

I have a question why this has changed? In his first season we were very good in creating chances and our general play. We simply could not score and missed a whole lot of chances. That was why we didn't make the top 4. In his second season, we stopped creating those chances. Why?

The amount of chances we made in the first season was a bit exaggerated, there were a couple of games (Burnley sticks out where we created a lot) but we weren't one of the four best or most creative sides in the league that season.

Ever since Mourinho's got here the strategy has been get ahead and then sit back, in the first season there were occasions where either we didn't manage to find the goal and so had to keep pushing and naturally had a higher number of chances or conceded once we got ahead and started sitting back while in the last year and a bit we have been really clinical in getting the goal and more successful at protecting leads (at the start of last season we also showed an ability to take advantage on the break late on to rack up a few more goals but that dropped off as the season went on).

 

[fellaini's barber]

I'm still not happy about his fondness to surrender possession to every team that wants it. We had three midfielders yesterday who are fantastic with the ball. I'd I've liked it if we let them have it as much as possible. Was annoying seeing us happy to let them pass it around. I don't think it helps with the atmosphere around the stadium either.
We were a bit more aggressive without the ball, which is a plus.

I don't know how you guys that conclude that when we're not seeing the ball its because we 'let them have it'. We don't have the ball because we're just shite at keeping it or winning back. It's not on purpose, we don't have a fecking choice.

 

[RORY65]

I don't know how you guys that conclude that when we're not seeing the ball its because we 'let them have it'. We don't have the ball because we're just shite at keeping it or winning back. It's not on purpose, we don't have a fecking choice.

Do you not think if we wanted to keep it it might have been coached over the last 2 years or might have been a feature of Mourinho's previous sides? It doesn't say much for him if he wants us to press the ball and keep it a lot more yet he can't get the highest paid (per player) squad in world football to do it at home to Leicester.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

We don't have the ball because we're just shite at keeping it or winning back.

Compared to Leicester's players? Pereira-Fred-Pogba in the middle should easily dominate the middle of the park - and it's not unreasonable to suggest that's what they would do in a different setup. It's not because our players are shite that we regularly fall back, giving up the initiative, when we take the lead.

 

[fellaini's barber]

Do you not think if we wanted to keep it it might have been coached over the last 2 years or might have been a feature of Mourinho's previous sides? It doesn't say much for him if he wants us to press the ball and keep it a lot more yet he can't get the highest paid (per player) squad in world football to do it at home to Leicester.

Have you watched us over the past two seasons? We've looked like this against far worse teams. Remember our Everton 4-0 game last season, one of the worst teams ever, before the 80th minute where they imploded and we scored 3 goals they were actually pressing us. Also Watford.

Compared to Leicester's players? Pereira-Fred-Pogba in the middle should easily dominate the middle of the park - and it's not unreasonable to suggest that's what they would do in a different setup. It's not because our players are shite that we regularly fall back, giving up the initiative, when we take the lead.

Never said our players are shite, I said we're shite at keeping and winning the ball back as a team, I don't know what the cause is but its been a recurring theme over the past 2 seasons against any half decent team. We were like this in a lots of games in Fergies last two seasons too, getting overrun by shite teams for large portion of games. But at least under Fergie you knew if they scored we'll just run them over. But with us currently we know we would have been fecked if Leicester equalised

 

[Santoryo]

Have you watched us over the past two seasons? We've looked like this against far worse teams. Remember our Everton 4-0 game last season, one of the worst teams ever, before the 80th minute where they imploded and we scored 3 goals they were actually pressing us. Also Watford.



Never said our players are shite, I said we're shite at keeping and winning the ball back as a team, I don't know what the cause is but its been a recurring theme over the past 2 seasons against any half decent team. We were like this in a lots of games in Fergies last two seasons too, getting overrun by shite teams for large portion of games. But at least under Fergie you knew if they scored we'll just run them over. But with us currently we know we would have been fecked if Leicester equalised

But Mourinho himself stated that he willingly surrender possession to opposition to have more control. It's one of his philosophy.

There are times when it's done on purpose and times when we can't get the ball even when we try because other teams are simply better coached when it comes to ball possession and winning it back

 

[VP89]

I don't know how you guys that conclude that when we're not seeing the ball its because we 'let them have it'. We don't have the ball because we're just shite at keeping it or winning back. It's not on purpose, we don't have a fecking choice.

Clearly you have no idea how Mourinho has operated in his career.

 

[MV12]

Given that the press would have you believe that Mourinho is a blood sucking monster, you'd think Blind would've had less positive things to say about Jose.

Maybe things at Man Utd aren't as bad as the media's been making out, eh?

Aw.. don't say that, the negative, bad vibers need the trash talk..

 

[RORY65]

Have you watched us over the past two seasons? We've looked like this against far worse teams. Remember our Everton 4-0 game last season, one of the worst teams ever, before the 80th minute where they imploded and we scored 3 goals they were actually pressing us. Also Watford.



Never said our players are shite, I said we're shite at keeping and winning the ball back as a team, I don't know what the cause is but its been a recurring theme over the past 2 seasons against any half decent team. We were like this in a lots of games in Fergies last two seasons too, getting overrun by shite teams for large portion of games. But at least under Fergie you knew if they scored we'll just run them over. But with us currently we know we would have been fecked if Leicester equalised

We struggled with it towards the end under Ferguson because our midfield was bad and Ferdinand/Vidic had to sit deep. We have the pace at the back to play higher up and quality midfielders, it's largely by design now.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Never said our players are shite, I said we're shite at keeping and winning the ball back as a team, I don't know what the cause is but its been a recurring theme over the past 2 seasons against any half decent team. We were like this in a lots of games in Fergies last two seasons too, getting overrun by shite teams for large portion of games. But at least under Fergie you knew if they scored we'll just run them over. But with us currently we know we would have been fecked if Leicester equalised

Then we're in agreement, largely.

The reason? Well, it can't be unrelated to managerial preferences/instructions. You could say both Fergie and Jose liked/likes to capitalize on transitions, which generally means you're (relatively) happy to concede possession for stretches of the game.

The problem is that during Fergie's «zombie» phase we simply lacked a bit of flair and oomph (compared to previous vintages), which made the whole thing appear somewhat flat and stale.

And now, under Jose - well, I dunno. We lack offensive cohesion, as people keep moaning about (but we do). And we're too focused on riding out the result rather than keeping up the attacking intensity. It's very hard to switch from a «let's just wait for them to feck up whilst not fecking up ourselves» mentality to a, well, attacking mentality.

We seem to rely on glimpses here and there rather than on a sustained series of offensive team moves. What we're doing is enough to win more often than not, but it's not very pretty to watch, and not really the sort of football you expect to see from a genuine top class team.

 

[Steven7290]

Given that the press would have you believe that Mourinho is a blood sucking monster, you'd think Blind would've had less positive things to say about Jose.

Maybe things at Man Utd aren't as bad as the media's been making out, eh?

What do you expect? He's not going to go out there and talk trash about his current manager would he?

Oh wait...

 

[Jazz]

Given that the press would have you believe that Mourinho is a blood sucking monster, you'd think Blind would've had less positive things to say about Jose.

Maybe things at Man Utd aren't as bad as the media's been making out, eh?

Blind's a classy guy. Ain't no way he's going to throw shade. We'll never know what he really thinks because he's just not that kind of person imo.

 

[Santoryo]

Are people really trying to push this disingenuous narrative that Mourinho is some sort of becon of positivity when it comes to man management?

The same guy who has picked fights with his own players almost everywhere he's gone, and is currently in the middle of some with his players again at his current job.

One has to put their head deep in the sand and exert a ridiculous amount of mental gymnastic to spin that one

 

[el3mel]

People don't want to believe real quotes by players but are well prepared to believe their own agenda that they created themselves.

Fairly logical and reasonable here. No problems at all.

 

[Borden]

Who gives a shit anyway? The entire squad could wax lyrical about Jose and it wouldn’t matter to me if we were serving up dross every week. And the other way around.

 

[Bastian]

Given that the press would have you believe that Mourinho is a blood sucking monster, you'd think Blind would've had less positive things to say about Jose.

Maybe things at Man Utd aren't as bad as the media's been making out, eh?

Wouldn't expect anything different from a player who is a top professional and has the right mentality. I don't think those type of characters tend to have a problem with Jose. It's those that lack the required mentality and professionalism.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

I think it’s clear that Jose has his favourites. Those who are in that group, they absoubtly love him - outside of that you have players who have conflict with him. He is like marmite. There seems to be very little middle ground with him.