Jose Mourinho | 2017/18 Assessments | Poll Added

[LeftyBlaster]

So, Martial can be easily coached to be better in movement - thats delusion. And you dont want to accept we are still second in the league - thats delusion again!

I have been hearing we are shit performance wise from gameweek1 of this season, and yet we have managed to do very well till now, and I am sure we will continue to do so. And to delusional fans like you, the world is about to end.

So you think it’s impossible or delusional for a good manager to coach better movement into Martial? Of course it’s fecking possible you twit.

And also, actually take the time to read what I’m saying. I said that we will not be second at the end of the season if we continue starting our games in lacklustre fashion like we did against Palace and Chelsea.

So until you actually think about things constructively instead of tossing the word “delusion” like it’s the only word you know, this discussion is going nowhere.

 

[Swift Football]

So you think it’s impossible or delusional for a good manager to coach better movement into Martial? Of course it’s fecking possible you twit.

And also, actually take the time to read what I’m saying. I said that we will not be second at the end of the season if we continue starting our games in lacklustre fashion like we did against Palace and Chelsea.

So until you actually think about things constructively instead of tossing the word “delusion” like it’s the only word you know, this discussion is going nowhere.

This discussion is exposing ur delusional nature. What if we finish games as strongly as we did against Palace and Chelsea, then where will we finish?! Maybe you think a game is played over first 10 mins! To clarify for you, no it is not. It is played over 90 mins and we have a plan when to play with intensity and when not to. It is not by chance that we are finishing off games as strongly as we doing atm.
Martial played under LVG and Jose now, and has not shown progression in terms of movement. I am sure Jose has not instructed him to play like a statue. Maybe you lack common sense to understand that! There is a reason he has not featured as many as he should for France despite them having good options.

So much of player improvement depends on player himself, and his attitude. But of course, I do not expect you to understand that.

 

[BRRRRAP]

This discussion is exposing ur delusional nature. What if we finish games as strongly as we did against Palace and Chelsea, then where will we finish?! Maybe you think a game is played over first 10 mins! To clarify for you, no it is not. It is played over 90 mins and we have a plan when to play with intensity and when not to. It is not by chance that we are finishing off games as strongly as we doing atm.
Martial played under LVG and Jose now, and has not shown progression in terms of movement. I am sure Jose has not instructed him to play like a statue. Maybe you lack common sense to understand that! There is a reason he has not featured as many as he should for France despite them having good options.

So much of player improvement depends on player himself, and his attitude. But of course, I do not expect you to understand that.

" I am sure Jose has not instructed him to play like a statue."

I think it's more complicated than that to be fair.
Mourinho's conservative instructions, (whether he means them to or not) have certainly had the effect of stifling our creative players. Martial is but one of many, who have lately, assumed a statuesque disposition.


Whether it's unclear coaching guidance or a breakdown in communication it remains the responsibility of management and coaching to get the game plan across clearly without straitjacketing our creative players.

We had a team of confused individuals playing in isolation last night, who were unable to string two passes together for the entire first half of the game. We were forced into uncontrolled intensity not through game-planning but through panicking after going two goals down to a relegation threatened team who luckily, for us, dropped their playing level in the second half.

And that is simply, shockingly bad management and coaching at this level of association football.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

And that is simply, shockingly bad management and coaching at this level of association football.

I’m going to go right out on a limb here and say it probably isn’t.

 

[AR87]

I’m going to go right out on a limb here and say it probably isn’t.

It's the kind of thing that happened routinely under Ferguson. I still remember watching us go down 2-0 to Villa away during Fergie's final season and looking completely awful in the process. Then he brought in Chicha and Welbz, we played with 4 strikers and broke them down into the 2nd half to grab a win.

I'd prefer we start matches better and it's something Mourinho needs to sort out, but he specifically mentioned yesterday he wanted them to press at the beginning but they didn't. Same thing happened against Chelsea as well and in both matches we were miles better in the 2nd half.

Hopefully we get that worked out before Saturday, because we can't come out flat and clueless like that against Liverpool.

 

[BRRRRAP]

I’m going to go right out on a limb here and say it probably isn’t.

Well you're wrong.
I understand your sensitivity to the criticism. As a supporter myself I don't like to hear too much criticism but on this one we all might do well to take a step back, and look with some objectivity at this problem of lack of cohesion, lack of knowledge of the game plan and the players inability to follow direction. I have managed teams for many years at work and one thing that's always been crystal clear is that if the whole team are not following my direction then it's the responsibility of the team leader to observe, get back to the drawing board, admit mistakes in communication, re-organise, re-delegate when neccessary, and communicate a clear action plan, a strategy or game plan that is understandable and realistically doable by getting the best out of the team members. Failure of communication leading to a general lack ofunderstanding of roles across the board is not the fault of individual team players but certainly is managements responsibility.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

Well you're wrong.
I understand your sensitivity to the criticism. As a supporter myself I don't like to hear too much criticism but on this one we all might do well to take a step back, and look with some objectivity at this problem of lack of cohesion, lack of knowledge of the game plan and the players inability to follow direction. I have managed teams for many years at work and one thing that's always been crystal clear is that if the whole team are not following my direction then it's the responsibility of the team leader to observe, get back to the drawing board, admit mistakes in communication, re-organise, re-delegate when neccessary, and communicate a clear action plan, a strategy or game plan that is understandable and realistically doable by getting the best out of the team members. Failure of communication leading to a general lack ofunderstanding of roles across the board is not the fault of individual team players but certainly is managements responsibility.

I’m not sensitive to criticism, I’m not Jose so I don’t need to take it personally.

My view is that one of the most successful managers in the world, who’s taken this squad to second in the league, probably isn’t delivering shockingly bad management and coaching.

Good luck with your career though.

 

[LeftyBlaster]

I’m not sensitive to criticism, I’m not Jose so I don’t need to take it personally.

My view is that one of the most successful managers in the world, who’s taken this squad to second in the league, probably isn’t delivering shockingly bad management and coaching.

Good luck with your career though.

No he isn’t shockingly bad. That’s a little over the top. But he is more reactive than proactive. Players like Pogba and Sanchez and Martial would be playing so much better if they were coached in a system that emphasises movement and passing as key fundamentals, like Pep and Klopp’s.
I’m not saying that Jose should seek to replicate what they’ve done, but he has to take responsibility for not improving glaring faults like Martial’s lack of running in or between defenders to stretch them on a regular basis. Or to make us stamp our authority with improved passing of the ball and movement? You cannot deny that we are like statues and lack the ability to truly slice defences open as a team. That’s where Jose takes the blame. We are second but the frustrating thing is we could be so much closer to the top. If he doesn’t show signs that he can get more out of this squad next season especially with reinforcements in the next window, we need to seriously look at a more progressive manager.

 

[BRRRRAP]

No he isn’t shockingly bad. That’s a little over the top. But he is more reactive than proactive. Players like Pogba and Sanchez and Martial would be playing so much better if they were coached in a system that emphasises movement and passing as key fundamentals, like Pep and Klopp’s.
I’m not saying that Jose should seek to replicate what they’ve done, but he has to take responsibility for not improving glaring faults like Martial’s lack of running in or between defenders to stretch them on a regular basis. Or to make us stamp our authority with improved passing of the ball and movement? You cannot deny that we are like statues and lack the ability to truly slice defences open as a team. That’s where Jose takes the blame. We are second but the frustrating thing is we could be so much closer to the top. If he doesn’t show signs that he can get more out of this squad next season especially with reinforcements in the next window, we need to seriously look at a more progressive manager.

No one said that Mourinho is or has been a shockingly bad manager.
That is just a misconstruction, a false assertion made by Clicheguevara.

What I did point out was this
"We had a team of confused individuals playing in isolation last night, who were unable to string two passes together for the entire first half of the game. We were forced into uncontrolled intensity not through game-planning but through panicking after going two goals down to a relegation threatened team who luckily, for us, dropped their playing level in the second half.
And that is simply, shockingly bad management and coaching at this level of association football."

Referring specifically to the first half of the game v Palace, playing like statues and going 2 nil down. The clear confusion re. game plan and re. the players inability to understand their roles was the responsibility of management/coaching.

Agreed that Mourinho is far too reactive.
His conservatism and underdog mentality has served him well historically, but the level of stodge served up simply can not be tolerated at clubs like United and Madrid.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

No one said that Mourinho is or has been a shockingly bad manager.
That is just a misconstruction, a false assertion made by clicheguevara

No it’s actually a misquote of what I said.

 

[LeftyBlaster]

No one said that Mourinho is or has been a shockingly bad manager.
That is just a misconstruction, a false assertion made by Clicheguevara.

What I did point out was this
"We had a team of confused individuals playing in isolation last night, who were unable to string two passes together for the entire first half of the game. We were forced into uncontrolled intensity not through game-planning but through panicking after going two goals down to a relegation threatened team who luckily, for us, dropped their playing level in the second half.
And that is simply, shockingly bad management and coaching at this level of association football."

Referring specifically to the first half of the game v Palace, playing like statues and going 2 nil down. The clear confusion re. game plan and re. the players inability to understand their roles was the responsibility of management/coaching.

Agreed that Mourinho is far too reactive.
His conservatism and underdog mentality has served him well historically, but the level of stodge served up simply can not be tolerated at clubs like United and Madrid.

Ok misquote aside I think we’re actually on the same page. Do agree that we need to start considering hiring an attacking coach to help Jose out with the offensive coaching side.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

No he isn’t shockingly bad. That’s a little over the top. But he is more reactive than proactive. Players like Pogba and Sanchez and Martial would be playing so much better if they were coached in a system that emphasises movement and passing as key fundamentals, like Pep and Klopp’s.
I’m not saying that Jose should seek to replicate what they’ve done, but he has to take responsibility for not improving glaring faults like Martial’s lack of running in or between defenders to stretch them on a regular basis. Or to make us stamp our authority with improved passing of the ball and movement? You cannot deny that we are like statues and lack the ability to truly slice defences open as a team. That’s where Jose takes the blame. We are second but the frustrating thing is we could be so much closer to the top. If he doesn’t show signs that he can get more out of this squad next season especially with reinforcements in the next window, we need to seriously look at a more progressive manager.

I’ve read this a lot but you could view it another way:

What Mourinho actually gives his attacking players is freedom. They are not shackled by rigid offensive routines, they are free to express their talents and play football. We have, usually, five international footballers who people are saying aren’t capable of linking up and demonstrating their skills, unless they are given intricate patterns designed by the manager? They must precisely follow the manager’s instructions in order to demonstrate their football ability?

Players being unable to trap a basic ball, or make a simple pass to a teammate. Martial repeatedly ambling forward outside the box instead of busting a gut to get in and score. That’s the manager’s fault?

Pep and Klopp’s systems are the exception in football, not the norm. They rely on high intensity work rate, discipline and coordination. People seem to think our players would thrive in the more demanding and complex set-ups at City and Liverpool, when they can’t even handle simply being asked to work hard off the ball here and then do what they like.

 

[PSingh]

We’re having a good season- our best since SAF retired. Yes the football is boring and uninspiring at times, and yes we’ve played like cowards in away matches against the top 6 (apart from the Arsenal game).

But overall Jose has stabilised us and put us on the right path. City are running away with the title with a freak season, and I’d be amazed if they can maintain this consistency next season as well. But I think the signs are positive for us, we’re the best of the rest and arguably haven’t clicked as a team yet, with ongoing debates about the positions of Pogba and Sanchez, Centre back partnerships and the left back position.

For the remainder of the season I’d like to see Jose implement some of his ideas for next season. E.G if Luke Shaw is going to be our first choice left back, give him a run of games. Try develop a partnership between lindelof and Bailly etc.

 

[redIndianDevil]

What Mourinho actually gives his attacking players is freedom. They are not shackled by rigid offensive routines, they are free to express their talents and play football

LOL. Yeah he gives them "freedom", except all those attackers have to rigidly track back all the way to our box to defend. We don't press higher up the pitch as soon as the possession is lost.

Pep and Klopp’s systems are the exception in football, not the norm.

Do you even watch football other than the PL? Combination of those guys systems have been the norm since 2009 at least for majortiy of the top clubs.

Players being unable to trap a basic ball, or make a simple pass to a teammate. Martial repeatedly ambling forward outside the box instead of busting a gut to get in and score. That’s the manager’s fault?

Yes it is. Why do you think almost all top teams play crisp quick one touch passes? Because they train and do rondos as part of of their coaching.

 

[JohnnyKills]

Perhaps we're focusing on the wrong target in this discussion.

Mourinho is (rightly) getting a lot of stick for United's playing style, but surely this is the fault of his coaching staff, given they're the ones in charge of the training?

Mou seems to have had the same core team - Faria and Louro - for years. What do they bring to the table, aside from being his allies and confidantes? Louro made his name as a goalkeeping coach - is he the man we need to coach the attackers?

Perhaps Mou needs to bring someone else on board. Guardiola brought Mikel Arteta on board when he joined City, despite never working with him before. I'm not saying we'd replicate City's style simply by shaking things up but it might be a start.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

LOL. Yeah he gives them "freedom", except all those attackers have to rigidly track back all the way to our box to defend. We don't press higher up the pitch as soon as the possession is lost.

Do you even watch football other than the PL? Combination of those guys systems have been the norm since 2009 at least for majortiy of the top clubs.

Yes it is. Why do you think almost all top teams play crisp quick one touch passes? Because they train and do rondos as part of of their coaching.

I have no problem with attackers having to track back. The point was regarding attacking freedom, however, as opposed to coached moves.

I disagree that other top clubs play with the same intensity and coordination as City and Liverpool. In any event it requires hard work and close attention to the system, it’s not a free for all. It’s a deviation from natural football.

No, it isn’t. World Class footballers should be able to control a ball and make a basic pass to a teammate during a game. Stop being silly.

 

[Stacks]

Perhaps we're focusing on the wrong target in this discussion.

Mourinho is (rightly) getting a lot of stick for United's playing style, but surely this is the fault of his coaching staff, given they're the ones in charge of the training?

Mou seems to have had the same core team - Faria and Louro - for years. What do they bring to the table, aside from being his allies and confidantes? Louro made his name as a goalkeeping coach - is he the man we need to coach the attackers?

Perhaps Mou needs to bring someone else on board. Guardiola brought Mikel Arteta on board when he joined City, despite never working with him before. I'm not saying we'd replicate City's style simply by shaking things up but it might be a start.

I sort of agree. I mean why would Jose not want his players playing a nice, crisp, fluid attacking when we have the ball. I get that he may prefer opponent to have the ball due to fear of mistakes but surely they'd want the most effective, assured way of creating chances and getting goals. A random approach seems more lower table stuff so I wonder what the coaches go through in their attacking drills as our players often look like the last picks in a 5 a side tourney who have just met and know nothing of each others behaviours. Zlatan and Pogba had a solid understanding though, as did RVN/Scholes. I think Cole and Scholes did also

 

[LeftyBlaster]

I’ve read this a lot but you could view it another way:

What Mourinho actually gives his attacking players is freedom. They are not shackled by rigid offensive routines, they are free to express their talents and play football. We have, usually, five international footballers who people are saying aren’t capable of linking up and demonstrating their skills, unless they are given intricate patterns designed by the manager? They must precisely follow the manager’s instructions in order to demonstrate their football ability?

Players being unable to trap a basic ball, or make a simple pass to a teammate. Martial repeatedly ambling forward outside the box instead of busting a gut to get in and score. That’s the manager’s fault?

Pep and Klopp’s systems are the exception in football, not the norm. They rely on high intensity work rate, discipline and coordination. People seem to think our players would thrive in the more demanding and complex set-ups at City and Liverpool, when they can’t even handle simply being asked to work hard off the ball here and then do what they like.

You’re wrong there. Expressive football is what Liverpool and City have, not us. By letting our players “do what they want”, Jose has failed to improve our biggest fault which is movement off the ball and making the right passes into people in space.

All you have to do is compare how easily they slice defences apart and how we labour to break them down. It is Jose’s responsibility to put in place the proper coaching.

 

[Jonno]

You’re wrong there. Expressive football is what Liverpool and City have, not us. By letting our players “do what they want”, Jose has failed to improve our biggest fault which is movement off the ball and making the right passes into people in space.

All you have to do is compare how easily they slice defences apart and how we labour to break them down. It is Jose’s responsibility to put in place the proper coaching.

City slice open defences because they have an unbelievable central midfield where it all starts from, which we are streets behind

 

[Stringer]

City slice open defences because they have an unbelievable central midfield where it all starts from, which we are streets behind

Do you think Mourinho would have United doing the same if he had those players? Personally I highly doubt that. Guardiola's system helps those players immensely.

 

[LeftyBlaster]

City slice open defences because they have an unbelievable central midfield where it all starts from, which we are streets behind

Would you say we are streets behind Liverpool as well? I don't think so. I'd take ours any day and twice on Sunday. The central midfield is crucial, I agree. However, the entirety of the team has been coached how to attack space, how to move in offence and at speed too. By comparison, we are slow and statue-esque. I firmly believe it is coaching above all else that transforms a team. Just look at Sterling. He has improved by leaps and bounds under Pep where he was a flop before. Same for Ox under Klopp.

 

[Member 109952]

Would you say we are streets behind Liverpool as well? I don't think so. I'd take ours any day and twice on Sunday. The central midfield is crucial, I agree. However, the entirety of the team has been coached how to attack space, how to move in offence and at speed too. By comparison, we are slow and statue-esque. I firmly believe it is coaching above all else that transforms a team. Just look at Sterling. He has improved by leaps and bounds under Pep where he was a flop before. Same for Ox under Klopp.

Sterling's hardly been a flop, he was good at Liverpool and was one of City's better players last year when they weren't very good (under Guardiola). Ox has been decent but nothing majorly different to that green spell he had at Arsenal last season.

The one area I'd criticise Mourinho vs Klopp/Pep is attacking recruitment. Liverpool have done very well by adding Mane and Salah. Two pacy, technical wide forwards. City have added strong full backs to support their attack, and added more depth to an already strong attack (alongside obviously fixing up a frail defence). Mourinho has shown at Real, Chelsea in 2014, Inter and his first Chelsea spell that he can build a strong, fluid attack. But imo unlike at Chelsea where he signed Costa, Willian, Fabregas etc his recruitment in attack has been as good as it could be. It's been decent, Lukaku and Pogba have been good for us, but the judgement remains on Sanchez and Mikhi was decent last season but faded away. Vs City we were already far behind as they had De Brunge, Silva, Sterling, Aguero already there when Pep/Mourinho took over, and imo Mourinho's not done enough to make up the gap. To move us in to a top team, we need two top, technical full backs (or one and actually start playing Shaw), and a pacy, dribbling winger. We probably need a top CM too, but a wide forward like Mahrez and full backs are crucial for us to build a fluid attack like in Mourinho's previous spells. Imo he's missed out by not signing any of Mane/Salah/Mahrez when they were available, nor any full backs. But his transfer windows are usually good so I'm hoping he rectifies it in the summer (though not that hopeful considering he passed on Mahrez in January).

 

[King.of.Red]

the board love Jose's approach

 

[LeftyBlaster]

Sterling's hardly been a flop, he was good at Liverpool and was one of City's better players last year when they weren't very good (under Guardiola). Ox has been decent but nothing majorly different to that green spell he had at Arsenal last season.

The one area I'd criticise Mourinho vs Klopp/Pep is attacking recruitment. Liverpool have done very well by adding Mane and Salah. Two pacy, technical wide forwards. City have added strong full backs to support their attack, and added more depth to an already strong attack (alongside obviously fixing up a frail defence). Mourinho has shown at Real, Chelsea in 2014, Inter and his first Chelsea spell that he can build a strong, fluid attack. But imo unlike at Chelsea where he signed Costa, Willian, Fabregas etc his recruitment in attack has been as good as it could be. It's been decent, Lukaku and Pogba have been good for us, but the judgement remains on Sanchez and Mikhi was decent last season but faded away. Vs City we were already far behind as they had De Brunge, Silva, Sterling, Aguero already there when Pep/Mourinho took over, and imo Mourinho's not done enough to make up the gap. To move us in to a top team, we need two top, technical full backs (or one and actually start playing Shaw), and a pacy, dribbling winger. We probably need a top CM too, but a wide forward like Mahrez and full backs are crucial for us to build a fluid attack like in Mourinho's previous spells. Imo he's missed out by not signing any of Mane/Salah/Mahrez when they were available, nor any full backs. But his transfer windows are usually good so I'm hoping he rectifies it in the summer (though not that hopeful considering he passed on Mahrez in January).

Again, my opinion is that Klopp and Pep have blueprints laid down and are building their team around progressive philosophies. Jose is way too reactive and clearly has not imprinted any form of attacking coherence in our team. That’s why we look disjointed and a collection of individuals. It’s more coaching and management than recruitment.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

the board love Jose's approach

Delaney. i.e. This means nothing.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

But sack José!!!

Amirite?

 

[Distracted Steward]

I have a little trouble with the poll options. I lean towards back him and give him time. He’s taking the club forward overall. That sounds undeniable. He’s the best bet to get us back among the elite.

I just want to see the team attack in the way we’ve come to love. I think if he got the right attacking coach to drill the team a little better. Jose will make the solid, but this team struggles to impose itself offensively. We all see that. It’s his problem to take ownership of and fix. I want to see him do that and marry defensive dominance with an inspiring attack like we saw circa 2007.

I think he can do that with time. Given the resources available, it’s fair to expect a little more identity in the attack. It’s too laissez faire. He doesn’t seem to be doing much about that.

 

[Kapardin]

Delaney. i.e. This means nothing.

Delaney is a twit who knows feck all. Last summer too, Ed was pleased with Jose's EL win but turned down Perisic. Just because there seems to be goodwill between board and manager, does not mean the board will sell anyone like that without questioning first.

Experience has taught Ed not to blindly follow the manager, that's for sure.

 

[Adebesi]

I think I've seen others ask but I haven't seen an answer:

Is there a precedent for a top manager hiring "an attacking coach" to improve attacking fluidity?

I cant think of an example of it ever having happened. That obviously doesn't mean it hasnt. But it does sound very, very unlikely.

 

[Jeffthered]

Sterling's hardly been a flop, he was good at Liverpool and was one of City's better players last year when they weren't very good (under Guardiola). Ox has been decent but nothing majorly different to that green spell he had at Arsenal last season.

The one area I'd criticise Mourinho vs Klopp/Pep is attacking recruitment. Liverpool have done very well by adding Mane and Salah. Two pacy, technical wide forwards. City have added strong full backs to support their attack, and added more depth to an already strong attack (alongside obviously fixing up a frail defence). Mourinho has shown at Real, Chelsea in 2014, Inter and his first Chelsea spell that he can build a strong, fluid attack. But imo unlike at Chelsea where he signed Costa, Willian, Fabregas etc his recruitment in attack has been as good as it could be. It's been decent, Lukaku and Pogba have been good for us, but the judgement remains on Sanchez and Mikhi was decent last season but faded away. Vs City we were already far behind as they had De Brunge, Silva, Sterling, Aguero already there when Pep/Mourinho took over, and imo Mourinho's not done enough to make up the gap. To move us in to a top team, we need two top, technical full backs (or one and actually start playing Shaw), and a pacy, dribbling winger. We probably need a top CM too, but a wide forward like Mahrez and full backs are crucial for us to build a fluid attack like in Mourinho's previous spells. Imo he's missed out by not signing any of Mane/Salah/Mahrez when they were available, nor any full backs. But his transfer windows are usually good so I'm hoping he rectifies it in the summer (though not that hopeful considering he passed on Mahrez in January).

Agreed.

 

[Jeffthered]

Delaney is a twit who knows feck all. Last summer too, Ed was pleased with Jose's EL win but turned down Perisic. Just because there seems to be goodwill between board and manager, does not mean the board will sell anyone like that without questioning first.

Experience has taught Ed not to blindly follow the manager, that's for sure.

Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho is not what I would consider a great partnership for the club (in my opinion).

Both seem to be rather reactive, and lack a clear vision for the playing side of the club. Do we scout and nuture talent ??... look at Pep, with Sane, Jesus, even Edison his keeper in some ways... there wasn't huge battles between clubs for these players, they came in pretty much under the radar. Good scouting to fit into a clear plan.

Look at Sanchez... a top, top player... and we don't quite know where he plays. Where does Pogba play?

Mourinho and Woodward will see much money being paid in transfers, for sure. Long-term I'm not too clear.

 

[Pexbo]

Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho is not what I would consider a great partnership for the club (in my opinion).

Both seem to be rather reactive, and lack a clear vision for the playing side of the club. Do we scout and nuture talent ??... look at Pep, with Sane, Jesus, even Edison his keeper in some ways... there wasn't huge battles between clubs for these players, they came in pretty much under the radar. Good scouting to fit into a clear plan.

Look at Sanchez... a top, top player... and we don't quite know where he plays. Where does Pogba play?

Mourinho and Woodward will see much money being paid in transfers, for sure. Long-term I'm not too clear.

What about Bailly, Lukaku, Matic and Ibrahimovic?


You mention reactive signings yet decide not to bring up their failed attempts for Mahrez when Sane got injured?

 

[pocco]

the board love Jose's approach

I was talking to somebody recently about the Pogba stuff and we were saying that the club needs to come out with something like this if it's true that there are problems.

For me this adds a bit of credibility to rumours of discontent and players using the papers to put pressure on Mourinho to get what they want.

 

[Kapardin]

Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho is not what I would consider a great partnership for the club (in my opinion).

Both seem to be rather reactive, and lack a clear vision for the playing side of the club. Do we scout and nuture talent ??... look at Pep, with Sane, Jesus, even Edison his keeper in some ways... there wasn't huge battles between clubs for these players, they came in pretty much under the radar. Good scouting to fit into a clear plan.

Look at Sanchez... a top, top player... and we don't quite know where he plays. Where does Pogba play?

Mourinho and Woodward will see much money being paid in transfers, for sure. Long-term I'm not too clear.

Our club will never have a clear vision like others. Ie, we won't be planning to play like Barcelona by 2025 -- it is not our culture. We will go with the flow.

This does not mean its' a bad thing. What works fkr others may not suit us. To each his own -- the important thing is that everyone is invested in the idea of getting the club back to the top, winning trophies and playing decent -- if not Earth shattering--- football.

We will however, plan for long-term by buying players like Bailly, Martial and Pogba who are relatively young. I am okay with this approach.

As for Sanchez, the fault lies with the player and Jose. For sure, he needs to do better and Jose should work on that. But nobody can slate Ed for buying him -- he was a top player and available, and our attack is not exactly top tier that we could ignore that. 90% of this forum wanted him in the summer when he was linked with City anyway.

 

[Jeffthered]

What about Bailly, Lukaku, Matic and Ibrahimovic?


You mention reactive signings yet decide not to bring up their failed attempts for Mahrez when Sane got injured?

Bailly was a top signing and we hope his fitness settles. Matic was a coup, and Chelsea made an error there. Ibra ? Terrific at the time, but always a stop-gap, and more out of necessity... Man Utd shouldn't have 35 year old as first choice striker. Lukaku cannot be described as a great signing... yet.... everybody looked at him, but he could turn out to be a top signing if he really starts smacking in those premiership and champions league goals in great numbers.

If we wanted Mahrez, and we couldn’t prise him away from Leicester, then that's really a concern.

 

[tenpoless]

I think I've seen others ask but I haven't seen an answer:

Is there a precedent for a top manager hiring "an attacking coach" to improve attacking fluidity?

I cant think of an example of it ever having happened. That obviously doesn't mean it hasnt. But it does sound very, very unlikely.

I can't think of any. For me it doesn't make sense. It seems to me that coaching staffs are there to help the manager micro-managing the players - to make sure they are in the best condition and to get the manager's messages to the players. They aren't there to change the play style of the team.

A manager cannot be always there for each players, coaching staffs help in that regard, but the characteristics of the team including the play style and tactical decisions will always be about the manager first and foremost. A team is a blueprint of it's manager. The coaching staffs follow the manager's plan.

If it's true that Mourinho is a manager who prefers football to be played defensively and without any serious intent to attack the opposing team (which I don't agree at all) as what some of the people said, then surely bringing in an 'attacking coach to improve fluidity' would only cause problems? Why? because the shape of the team and the tactical decisions made during matches have to be changed so the attack can be more 'fluid'. I'm sure as hell, Mourinho wouldn't like that.

Look at Guardiola. Mancity are now playing possession based, attacking football because He wants the team to. Do people really think He can just bring in a 'long ball coach' so Mancity can be good at long ball and possession? No, it doesn't make sense.

Do people really think a manager can just bring an 'attacking minded coach' and the team will suddenly play a beautiful football and score a lot more? No, it's always about the manager and the players, the captains and his crew. They decide how things are on the field under the guidance of the manager.

 

[Craig Ward]

Moyes, LVG, Jose......for sure Jose is top of this list since SAF.

BUT I don't think the majority are happy with the style of play, regardless of results. The cup wins last season masked another utterly dreadful premiership season with some pretty dire football on show. This season, we're better in the league (nowhere near challenging) and poor in the cups, bar champions league where we have been ok. We will finish in the top 4, but where is another issue.

For me, I'm content with Jose rather than happy. I think his presence and influence to attract players has been a plus for us, getting Pogba from Juve when we are not yet challenging for anything major was a real coup. On the negative, our defence still needs some work, our midfield still hasn't been addresses and our tactics/formations are still all over the place. We resort to long balls, defensive football - this is something this country absolutely slates the likes of Big Sam and Pulis for yet when Jose does it its fine.

We've tinkered a little and there are positive signs for sure, but we are becoming master of the boring football, which is such a shame for Manchester united. I think the excuses of rebuilding are a little old now, we've had plenty of transfer windows and have players in the squad capable who cant get a look in and haven't progressed much.

What frustrates me the most is, if you look at our squad, we do not need to play the way we do. Our attacking creative players must be pulling they're hair out because they cannot influence a game like they could, now this isn't ALL down to Jose as a lot of these players were coached by LVG also, certain traits stay with a player.

I think this transfer window is massive as we really need to shore up the midfield.

I think fullbacks also need to be addressed as despite Jose having Shaw, he insists on using Young, who isn't a full back and while he does ok, he cant be UTD's first choice full back. Why keep Shaw if he's not gunna use him?

I think Jose's treatment of Miki was also poor, he didn't use him correctly and I know a lot of people put it down to form, but why sign someone, play them once then not play them for such a length of time. I think Jose shattered his confidence and him leaving was ultimately the right thing to do as he was never getting a chance here (controversial point I'm aware)

Jose also has to work out how to get the best out of Sanchez, where to play him as if he continues on the left, then where does that leave Martial? Even less game time for Rashford also as Lukaku is never dropped and Rash will be 3rd choice wide left. Sanchez is probably best behind the striker, but if we go 4-3-3 this position doesn't exist. While he is quality, his signings brings more questions than answers for me.

I'm still waiting for Smalling/Jones/Blind/Darmian/Fellaini/Young to move on also

He'll stay, next season is his 3rd. If we don't mount a serious title challenge next year I cant see him staying. The board will either lose faith or Jose will throw a classic Jose strop and make it untenable (its a matter of time before this happens)

He's made us better, but only slightly.

I think the way other teams are improving and playing, we are in danger of being left behind. We're doing well to be in 2nd currently, but Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea will all get better.

If Jose left, the way Poch from spurs sets up and plays, for me that would be a good fit for us.

 

[Trizy]

Jose had my 100% backing until recently. He's still a great manager but his attacking approach given his budget and players is horrible in big games.

However, if we plan to stick with him I'm all for Woody/Board fecking out any player who's acting up. No player is bigger than the club and 1 player can undo all the good work by poisoning the dressing room.

 

[Z1L3]

Moyes, LVG, Jose......for sure Jose is top of this list since SAF.

BUT I don't think the majority are happy with the style of play, regardless of results. The cup wins last season masked another utterly dreadful premiership season with some pretty dire football on show. This season, we're better in the league (nowhere near challenging) and poor in the cups, bar champions league where we have been ok. We will finish in the top 4, but where is another issue.

For me, I'm content with Jose rather than happy. I think his presence and influence to attract players has been a plus for us, getting Pogba from Juve when we are not yet challenging for anything major was a real coup. On the negative, our defence still needs some work, our midfield still hasn't been addresses and our tactics/formations are still all over the place. We resort to long balls, defensive football - this is something this country absolutely slates the likes of Big Sam and Pulis for yet when Jose does it its fine.

We've tinkered a little and there are positive signs for sure, but we are becoming master of the boring football, which is such a shame for Manchester united. I think the excuses of rebuilding are a little old now, we've had plenty of transfer windows and have players in the squad capable who cant get a look in and haven't progressed much.

What frustrates me the most is, if you look at our squad, we do not need to play the way we do. Our attacking creative players must be pulling they're hair out because they cannot influence a game like they could, now this isn't ALL down to Jose as a lot of these players were coached by LVG also, certain traits stay with a player.

I think this transfer window is massive as we really need to shore up the midfield.

I think fullbacks also need to be addressed as despite Jose having Shaw, he insists on using Young, who isn't a full back and while he does ok, he cant be UTD's first choice full back. Why keep Shaw if he's not gunna use him?

I think Jose's treatment of Miki was also poor, he didn't use him correctly and I know a lot of people put it down to form, but why sign someone, play them once then not play them for such a length of time. I think Jose shattered his confidence and him leaving was ultimately the right thing to do as he was never getting a chance here (controversial point I'm aware)

Jose also has to work out how to get the best out of Sanchez, where to play him as if he continues on the left, then where does that leave Martial? Even less game time for Rashford also as Lukaku is never dropped and Rash will be 3rd choice wide left. Sanchez is probably best behind the striker, but if we go 4-3-3 this position doesn't exist. While he is quality, his signings brings more questions than answers for me.

I'm still waiting for Smalling/Jones/Blind/Darmian/Fellaini/Young to move on also

He'll stay, next season is his 3rd. If we don't mount a serious title challenge next year I cant see him staying. The board will either lose faith or Jose will throw a classic Jose strop and make it untenable (its a matter of time before this happens)

He's made us better, but only slightly.

I think the way other teams are improving and playing, we are in danger of being left behind. We're doing well to be in 2nd currently, but Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea will all get better.

If Jose left, the way Poch from spurs sets up and plays, for me that would be a good fit for us.

So last year good in cups, bad in the league - not good. This year good in the league and bad in the cups (except still alive in CL and FA cup, and only out of League Cup) - again not good.

Defense is still not good - maybe because Baily and Rojo and Jones are constantly injured? Midfield hasn't been addressed? What about Matic and Pogba? The fact that those areas still need improvement should tell you the state of the team Jose inherited.

Jose doesn't get slated for defensive tactics? What TV shows have you been watching?

Shattered Miki's confidence? Come on, everybody needs to stop saying this stuff about confidence shattering. Miki got plenty of chances and wasn't consistent. And players shouldn't be delicate flowers whose confidence is shattered when they are benched. It's part of the job that sometimes you're benched, especially in a big club. Why isn't Fellaini's confidence shattered, or Lingard's? They sit on the bench all the time and usually do well when they play.

Made you better but only slightly? I think a lot of United fans have been spoiled over the last two decades and the expectations are absolutely ridiculous.

 

[SirAF]

So last year good in cups, bad in the league - not good. This year good in the league and bad in the cups (except still alive in CL and FA cup, and only out of League Cup) - again not good.

Defense is still not good - maybe because Baily and Rojo and Jones are constantly injured? Midfield hasn't been addressed? What about Matic and Pogba? The fact that those areas still need improvement should tell you the state of the team Jose inherited.

Jose doesn't get slated for defensive tactics? What TV shows have you been watching?

Shattered Miki's confidence? Come on, everybody needs to stop saying this stuff about confidence shattering. Miki got plenty of chances and wasn't consistent. And players shouldn't be delicate flowers whose confidence is shattered when they are benched. It's part of the job that sometimes you're benched, especially in a big club. Why isn't Fellaini's confidence shattered, or Lingard's? They sit on the bench all the time and usually do well when they play.

Made you better but only slightly? I think a lot of United fans have been spoiled over the last two decades and the expectations are absolutely ridiculous.

Yes, it's absolutely crazy. The league positions post-Ferguson have been 7th, 4th, 5th and 6th - that's an average position of 5,5. This season United are on course to finish 2nd, most likely going to find themselves in the SF of the FA Cup and have a good chance of reaching the QF in the CL.

The fact that people are saying that they are waiting for the likes of Smalling, Young, Darmian, Blind etc to move on just highlights how much of a task it is to rebuild the team - you can't sell everyone and buy a new 11 over the course of just two or three transfer windows.