Jose Mourinho | 2017/18 Assessments | Poll Added

[JPRouve]

He laid the entire blame for the defeat on them while saying this is why lukaku starts over them. That'd make sense if not for the fact that we've looked as shite losing games with Lukaku starting. There is no moving the goalposts, just highlighting the flaw in his comment. Simply put, our problems lie deeper than just who starts upfront and its just too convenient to ignore that and lay the blame on the 2 kids. But then again, finding a convenient individual or even the squad in general to lay the entire blame on publicly has been a hallmark of Jose's stay here.

You see that's what bothers me, because clearly these players aren't the problem since the starters are barely better if at all. So you have to wonder what he really has in mind because he isn't stupid enough to actually think that the team loses games because of Shaw, Martial and Rashford.

 

[Jacko21]

You're kidding yourself if you think Jose has been given a free ride for 2yrs. Our previous manager got the boot after winning the FA Cup. If jose had us outside the top 4 minus the trophies for instance, he would be looking for a new job this summer.

Mourinho hasn't done anything to deserve the boot, that's why.

Give Mourinho an XI that he trusts and he wins the league. History tells you that.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

You see that's what bothers me, because clearly these players aren't the problem since the starters are barely better if at all. So you have to wonder what he really has in mind because he isn't stupid enough to actually think that the team loses games because of Shaw, Martial and Rashford.

Everything he says is to serve his own interests. I wouldn't necessarily always look for rationale and logic in what Mourinho says. If it makes him look good he will say it.

That's why he critique's our peformances as an external observer rather than bearing the responsibility. It's always "they" or "those players" who let him down. He always has very little to do with it. But if finishing 2nd and winning the FA cup can be deemed some sort of success by anyone, he'll be the first to blow his own trumpet about that.

 

[Stactix]

Mourinho hasn't done anything to deserve the boot, that's why.

Give Mourinho an XI that he trusts and he wins the league. History tells you that.

Sevilla.

How many chances did we create vs West Brom at home? Where are they again?
Didn't Lukaku play that game?

 

[Varun]

You see that's what bothers me, because clearly these players aren't the problem since the starters are barely better if at all. So you have to wonder what he really has in mind because he isn't stupid enough to actually think that the team loses games because of Shaw, Martial and Rashford.

He just looks for someone to blame and picks whatever is convenient at the time, I doubt he believes it himself. It's just some here who Lap it up without realising how illogical it would be if martial and rashford were the problem.

 

[Jacko21]

Why? Why does he get a pass to sign a new team? Pep hasn't signed a new team, Klopp hasn't, Pochettino hasnt and we all like a chuckle at him. Why does Jose get a pass, 3 years and probably 300 mill plus before we can judge him?

Did Moyes have his XI, LvG? Managers have to manage a team and if they need 'their' XI then that simply means they aren't flexible enough.

Jose has had two transfer windows to bring in the players he wants and if that isn't enough then the manager is simply asking for too much time and money. You also have to take into account that while bringing his XI he might let go of some potentially talented players like Shaw, Rashford and Martial.

It still makes no sense, he is struggling with his own recruitments, half of the starting eleven is his own and the half that is the most problematic is made of his men, the midfield. The players that people want out are also the players that forms one of the most solid defense around, we can talk shit as much as we want but they are not the problem, not even the fullbacks are the main problem. Our problem is that our midfielders are piss poor at moving the ball consistently and efficiently and our attacking midfielders whoever they are, consistently play like they met for the first time, Lukaku is a big surprise for me because he improved individually and he is showing what I wanted from our strikers, unfortunately he is absolutely alone. From the back four to Lukaku, we have a big pile of mediocrity and I'm pretty sure that the players aren't the main problem.

If come November/December we are in a title race and playing well, what conclusion would you draw from that? Bearing in mind Mourinho, will likely have his XI come the end of the summer.

Because I know that if we're not in a title race and still playing poorly, then Mourinho is for sure the problem. That's what I'm getting at. As of right now, blame lies with both player and manager - some here seem hell-bent and laying all blame at his feet. It is not conclusive.

 

[Ødegaard]

Sevilla.

How many chances did we create vs West Brom at home? Where are they again?
Didn't Lukaku play that game?

United v all top teams this season.

City Vs Wigan.

If you look at individual Game you'll have to be consistent.
Jose is doing fine, not fantastic, but fine.


People who claim there was nothing wrong with the players must have not watched Rashford refuse to pass to Martial for a open goal.

 

[JPRouve]

If come November/December we are in a title race and playing well, what conclusion would you draw from that? Bearing in mind Mourinho, will likely have his XI come the end of the summer.

Because I know that if we're not in a title race and still playing poorly, then Mourinho is for sure the problem. That's what I'm getting at. As of right now, blame lies with both player and manager - some here seem hell-bent and laying all blame at his feet. It is not conclusive.

The obvious conclusion will be that the manager found the correct answers, managed to implement them and the players adopted them.

And your conclusion is nonsense, players have been blamed and they are still bkamed, the only side that does everything to avoid blames are the Mourinho supporters.

 

[Varun]

Mourinho hasn't done anything to deserve the boot, that's why.

Give Mourinho an XI that he trusts and he wins the league. History tells you that.

I think you've lost track of the discussion. You started off saying Woodward has given him free reign till he gets an entire starting 11 of his choice and isn't judging him till then. Now, you're correctly pointing out that he still has the job because he's done enough to keep it. I'm guessing you're referring to the 2 trophies last year and the 2nd place + FA Cup final this year.

 

[Kapardin]

Sevilla.

How many chances did we create vs West Brom at home? Where are they again?
Didn't Lukaku play that game?

By that logic, Poch should have been sacked for Genk (or was it Gent), Klopp should have been sacked for City and Sevilla in his first season and Wolves in the second, Pep should have been sacked last season for zero trophies and so on.

Yes, Sevilla was atrocious and Jose deserved the criticism afterwards, but it was not a sackable offense. Shouldn't be repeated though and he needs to learn from it.

And whether we created chances against WBA or not, whether we lost to them or not, we are sitting 2nd in the league and that's all that matters in terms of one-off resilts in league games.

 

[ash_86]

I like the progress we made under Mourinho but it's high time to accept he is not very good in handling capable youngsters who makes mistakes. Mourinho likes to stifle the opponent and hit them on the counter. Playing this style involves a good footballing brain as you need to take your chances when you get them. Since he does not always take the game to the opposition, its safe to say that the chances created are quite less in comparison to other top teams playing a different style. With less chances created, he really needs players to make the right decision 8/10 times and this is hard to ask from a young player learning his trade.

I certainly think we'd be better under Mourinho if we add experienced 26-30 aged players in their prime playing for us. You'd instantly see the difference it makes to the system Mourinho likes to play. As Gary Neville said last night "The trust that you need with some of the players has gone. It was a shocker from first to last minute. He’s going to make some big changes in that dressing room" , i believe this is going to happen. I'm certainly for adding some good prime players who can instantly make a difference to how we play.

 

[Jacko21]

The obvious conclusion will be that the manager found the correct answers, managed to implement them and the players adopted them.

And your conclusion is nonsense, players have been blamed and they are still bkamed, the only side that does everything to avoid blames are the Mourinho supporters.

Oh come on, so it'd be nothing to do with the fact that he recruited more of his own players to add to the ones he's already bought?!

 

[Oldyella]

Because I know that if we're not in a title race and still playing poorly, then Mourinho is for sure the problem. That's what I'm getting at. As of right now, blame lies with both player and manager - some here seem hell-bent and laying all blame at his feet. It is not conclusive.

This is the Mourinho thread, check how some of the players are being talked about in their performance threads if you think some are only hell bent on blaming Jose!

 

[Jacko21]

This is the Mourinho thread, check how some of the players are being talked about in their performance threads if you think some are only hell bent on blaming Jose!

You didn't answer the question.

 

[Oldyella]

You didn't answer the question.

If come November/December we are in a title race and playing well, what conclusion would you draw from that? Bearing in mind Mourinho, will likely have his XI come the end of the summer.

Because I know that if we're not in a title race and still playing poorly, then Mourinho is for sure the problem. That's what I'm getting at. As of right now, blame lies with both player and manager - some here seem hell-bent and laying all blame at his feet. It is not conclusive.

We were in a title race at that time this season though. I just dont get how you can say he needs what will be by then two and a half years and a full team of his own signings to be judged. Yes some of our squad arent good enough, but a lot of those are the ones Jose wants to keep!

Klopp is seen as a clown, and last year they were a bust, but fans could see what he was trying to do with his team, similar to Pep who won nothing last year, but you could see a pattern of play emerging, I just dont see what our plan is aside from spend a shit ton of money and hope one of our bigger players pulls a piece of magic out of thin air. The team doesnt look coached, good player or bad.

 

[JPRouve]

Oh come on, so it'd be nothing to do with the fact that he recruited more of his own players to add to the ones he's already bought?!

No, because he isn't doing a good job with the current players that he recruited, adding players isn't the answer, he isn't a chief scout or Woodward. His job is to take a group of player, whatever level they have, and make the whole better than the sum of its parts, that's his job. In reality you could judge him with zero recruits, he isn't paid +15m per year, just to write expensive players' names on a team sheet, he isn't in a video game.

So I will repeat, if we play well next season which in my mind means as a coherent, consistent and efficient team. It will mainly be because of what he did on the training pitch.

 

[whatwha]

I'm sick of this Robbie...

 

[Jacko21]

We were in a title race at that time this season though. I just dont get how you can say he needs what will be by then two and a half years and a full team of his own signings to be judged. Yes some of our squad arent good enough, but a lot of those are the ones Jose wants to keep!

Klopp is seen as a clown, and last year they were a bust, but fans could see what he was trying to do with his team, similar to Pep who won nothing last year, but you could see a pattern of play emerging, I just dont see what our plan is aside from spend a shit ton of money and hope one of our bigger players pulls a piece of magic out of thin air. The team doesnt look coached, good player or bad.

We were 8 points adrift in the first week of November. Not really nip and tuck.

 

[Hellboy]

It's always the player's fault with this clown. The sooner he goes the better!

 

[Jazz]

He should be be careful to blame the players. He can lose the dressing room and then he will get sacked

When he kicks out the players he doesn't like, he'll be left with his faves - I will be very interested to see which ones he throws under the bus. Even Lukaku isn't safe.
As a player, whether he praised or criticised me, i wouldn't trust him. He will use people as and when it's required to take the responsibility away from himself. If you behave like that, of course you will lose the dressing room.

He will lose the players, not a question of if, but when.

 

[Jacko21]

No, because he isn't doing a good job with the current players that he recruited, adding players isn't the answer, he isn't a chief scout or Woodward. His job is to take a group of player, whatever level they have, and make the whole better than the sum of its parts, that's his job. In reality you could judge him with zero recruits, he isn't paid +15m per year, just to write expensive players' names on a team sheet, he isn't in a video game.

So I will repeat, if we play well next season which in my mind means as a coherent, consistent and efficient team. It will mainly be because of what he did on the training pitch.

Mourinho has always spent money. He relies on quality. He relies on talented players thinking for themselves while he works on stopping the opposition.

It won't be changes on the training pitch that are responsible for an upturn in our fortune next season. It'll be Mourinho doing what he's alway done.

But that's a different debate entirely.

 

[Theonas]

If you thought that our point total this year is good which it actually is when you consider that most likely we'll end up with 80+ points, yesterday does not change anything. You will always get games like that especially when there is nothing to play for. Our level as a football team will not change depending on what happens in games like yesterday or the upcoming couple of games. There are things we are very good at and other areas where we are worse than bloody Arsenal at. That makes us easily a 80+ points team, and 80+ points team do that, they drop points here and there.

 

[Kapardin]

If you thought that our point total this year is good which it actually is when you consider that most likely we'll end up with 80+ points, yesterday does not change anything. You will always get games like that especially when there is nothing to play for. Our level as a football team will not change depending on what happens in games like yesterday or the upcoming couple of games. There are things we are very good at and other areas where we are worse than bloody Arsenal at. That makes us easily a 80+ points team, and 80+ points team do that, they drop points here and there.

7 losses is a bit much though for a Top 6 team. We need more consistency next season.

 

[JPRouve]

Mourinho has always spent money. He relies on quality. He relies on talented players thinking for themselves while he works on stopping the opposition.

It won't be changes on the training pitch that are responsible for an upturn in our fortune next season. It'll be Mourinho doing what he's alway done.

But that's a different debate entirely.

So you think that Mourinho doesn't coach his teams, he doesn't develop players individually and collective? How does he stops the opposition, does he have super powers?

 

[Swift Football]

Jose's team/players are choosen as per personality, mentality and fighting attitude rather than technicality. This is a good thing (just ask Arsenal fan). However, there comes times in a season where players are not mentally prepared for some games ( e.g., after a big win) or the one that is virtually meaningless. Or even if players are motivated enough , they just happen to meet opponents who have more desire. If the team is built on technicality, a certain gameplan and front foot approach , opponent having more desire is not a big problem. But if the team is based on hard work and effort , it's possible that we fall short against hard working sides.
It all boils down to how Jose is shaping our squad. If Neymar and Willian is available , who will Jose pick? If Xabi Alonso and Matic is available who will Jose choose. If lukaku and Aguero is available upfront who will Jose pick.

 

[Stactix]

Everything he says is to serve his own interests. I wouldn't necessarily always look for rationale and logic in what Mourinho says. If it makes him look good he will say it.

That's why he critique's our peformances as an external observer rather than bearing the responsibility. It's always "they" or "those players" who let him down. He always has very little to do with it. But if finishing 2nd and winning the FA cup can be deemed some sort of success by anyone, he'll be the first to blow his own trumpet about that.

By that logic, Poch should have been sacked for Genk (or was it Gent), Klopp should have been sacked for City and Sevilla in his first season and Wolves in the second, Pep should have been sacked last season for zero trophies and so on.

Yes, Sevilla was atrocious and Jose deserved the criticism afterwards, but it was not a sackable offense. Shouldn't be repeated though and he needs to learn from it.

And whether we created chances against WBA or not, whether we lost to them or not, we are sitting 2nd in the league and that's all that matters in terms of one-off resilts in league games.

And the route this season to get there? We've had some great games, City away and for the most part Mourinhos done very well against the big teams.
The issue is enjoyment and entertainment, there has been little of that this year in all honesty.
Sure we've had plenty of results, hell if City weren't insane could of won the league this season.
But regardless of players, Utd under Mourinho will always try to stop the oppisition first, then play football second.
Despite being here for 2 years, our attack still looks disjointed and regularly infuriates. It's almost entirely reliant on individual brillance rather than teamplay.

Our defence doesn't look much better either, we're letting in less goals sure but De Gea's player of the season once more?

 

[Jacko21]

So you think that Mourinho doesn't coach his teams, he doesn't develop players individually and collective? How does he stops the opposition, does he have super powers?

We're straying here.

But no, not in an attacking sense he doesn't, but that's not news to anyone is it? Mourinho is at his best when he's instructing players to stop the opposition - which you do to a much greater extent again the better teams. And which we have done to good effect in recent months.

Against lesser teams, particularly at home, where we can expect more of the ball and more opportunities to attack, Mourinho assumes that the quality he has on the pitch will be sufficient enough to beat teams of lesser merit. Because he has spent the dollar. Mourinho's teams have always attacked with fluidity and variety - allowing the players to think for themselves. He's nothing like as systematic as Guardiola.

Mourinho has won multiple league titles with the same blueprint - beater the lesser teams, do not lose against your rivals. But what we've seen this season is a team that can beat their rivals, but can't do it against the lesser teams. That's game-raising! That's not indicative of a Mourinho team. He has not suddenly adopted a different tact, it's because the players are raising their game against rivals but struggling for intensity/motivation against the lesser teams - the blame for which lies with them. From Mourinho's POV, why should he change what has been a winning formula? There is merit to say that maybe he should given how the game has changed, but once again that's a different debate.

 

[Theonas]

Jose's team/players are choosen as per personality, mentality and fighting attitude rather than technicality. This is a good thing (just ask Arsenal fan). However, there comes times in a season where players are not mentally prepared for some games ( e.g., after a big win) or the one that is virtually meaningless. Or even if players are motivated enough , they just happen to meet opponents who have more desire. If the team is built on technicality, a certain gameplan and front foot approach , opponent having more desire is not a big problem. But if the team is based on hard work and effort , it's possible that we fall short against hard working sides.
It all boils down to how Jose is shaping our squad. If Neymar and Willian is available , who will Jose pick? If Xabi Alonso and Matic is available who will Jose choose. If lukaku and Aguero is available upfront who will Jose pick.

That's such an excellent post. Except calling this a good thing and using Arsenal as comparison. The best teams over the past decade have been built technically. Just because not all technical teams are successful, does not change that.

Other than that, you make a really interesting point. It explains his love for Lukaku, Matic, Young and Valencia for example. It also explains that improvement largely comes from recruitment as opposed to more time on the training ground as his methods are relatively simple and straight forward in that area.

What I think the problem is, even if one enjoys teams being built in that image, it really is unrealistic to expect that in today's football. The type of players required to make a team function in that way is simply decreasing. The likes of Ivanovic, Terry, Lampard, Materazzi, Cambiasso, ... are just not being produced anymore. The way modern academies are and modern life in general means young players have a totally different mindset. They want to play, they grow up watching the likes of Barcelona and that's what they want to emulate. Maybe English football still produces characters like that because there is a genuine affinity for hard workers but I am afraid it's an increasingly small continental pool.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

And the route this season to get there? We've had some great games, City away and for the most part Mourinhos done very well against the big teams.
The issue is enjoyment and entertainment, there has been little of that this year in all honesty.
Sure we've had plenty of results, hell if City weren't insane could of won the league this season.
But regardless of players, Utd under Mourinho will always try to stop the oppisition first, then play football second.
Despite being here for 2 years, our attack still looks disjointed and regularly infuriates. It's almost entirely reliant on individual brillance rather than teamplay.

Our defence doesn't look much better either, we're letting in less goals sure but De Gea's player of the season once more?

Trouble with trying to stop the opposition first and it doesn't work is if the team responds. Too often they haven't.

 

[Jazz]

That's such an excellent post. Except calling this a good thing and using Arsenal as comparison. The best teams over the past decade have been built technically. Just because not all technical teams are successful, does not change that.

Other than that, you make a really interesting point. It explains his love for Lukaku, Matic, Young and Valencia for example. It also explains that improvement largely comes from recruitment as opposed to more time on the training ground as his methods are relatively simple and straight forward in that area.

What I think the problem is, even if one enjoys teams being built in that image, it really is unrealistic to expect that in today's football. The type of players required to make a team function in that way is simply decreasing. The likes of Ivanovic, Terry, Lampard, Materazzi, Cambiasso, ... are just not being produced anymore. The way modern academies are and modern life in general means young players have a totally different mindset. They want to play, they grow up watching the likes of Barcelona and that's what they want to emulate. Maybe English football still produces characters like that because there is a genuine affinity for hard workers but I am afraid it's an increasingly small continental pool.

Bingo!
Another reason I'm not happy with the club letting him get away with adding 'his' type of players to the team at great expense. It will be very expensive to undo all this when a new manager comes in. The longer it goes on as well, the more the club has to play catch up. Letting him have his way, will probably end up a bigger mistake than Moyes.

 

[JPRouve]

We're straying here.

But no, not in an attacking sense he doesn't, but that's not news to anyone is it? Mourinho is at his best when he's instructing players to stop the opposition - which you do to a much greater extent again the better teams. And which we have done to good effect in recent months.

Against lesser teams, particularly at home, where we can expect more of the ball and more opportunities to attack, Mourinho assumes that the quality he has on the pitch will be sufficient enough to beat teams of lesser merit. Because he has spent the dollar. Mourinho's teams have always attacked with fluidity and variety - allowing the players to think for themselves. He's nothing like as systematic as Guardiola.

Mourinho has won multiple league titles with the same blueprint - beater the lesser teams, do not lose against your rivals. But what we've seen this season is a team that can beat their rivals, but can't do it against the lesser teams. That's game-raising! That's not indicative of a Mourinho team. He has not suddenly adopted a different tact, it's because the players are raising their game against rivals but struggling for intensity/motivation against the lesser teams - the blame for which lies with them. From Mourinho's POV, why should he change what has been a winning formula? There is merit to say that maybe he should given how the game has changed, but once again that's a different debate.

You realize how daft that is. You are basically explaining that we have a manager that doesn't manage his players for a good chunk of the season, they are supposed to manage themselves. Then you say that they are to be blamed for not doing the job of their manager, meaning managing the team.
And all of that started with you saying that you would only judge the manager when he has his own XI, you are basically defending a fraud, a man who take the glory that should squarely be put on the players.

Of course I don't believe that you are even close to the reality, Mourinho isn't a fraud.

Edit:

To summarize:
- When we win against top teams, it's Mourinho.
- When we lose against top teams, it's the players.
- When we win against lesser teams, it's the players.
- When we lose against lesser teams, it's the player.

 

[goin4glory]

Being boring for years certainly adds to the criticism because people are just bored of this crap football. And how is he rectifying it? He's had 2 years and the attack still looks as boring as ever. His signings aren't even 70% successful are they? Sanchez, Mkhitaryan, and Lindelof haven't been great. I love Pogba and think he gets too much criticism, but even Mou benches him. So when you say he's rectifying it or will rectify it, how will he do it? By buying 4 more players and hoping 2 perform well?

The football is better than Moyes/LVG which is admittedly not saying very much but I can see clear progress which is all I can ask, going from 6th to contenders and scoring the most goals since SAF qualifies as progress for me.

Miki for 30m is a fine bit of business in this market, he's still worth that despite not being good enough for an elite team. Sanchez has looked much better in his last few games and there's really no doubting his quality, he was the best attacking player available on the market nd makes us stronger going forward. Lindelof hasn't been great but I'm happy to give him some time before making a final judgement, overall I think there really isn't much of an argument over whether or not Mourinho signings have improved the side, Pogba/Bailly/Lukaku/Sanchez /Matic are all quality additions and I'm pretty optimistic going forward.

 

[Jacko21]

You realize how daft that is. You are basically explaining that we have a manager that doesn't manage his players for a good chunk of the season, they are supposed to manage themselves. Then you say that they are to be blamed for not doing the job of their manager, meaning managing the team.
And all of that started with you saying that you would only judge the manager when he has his own XI, you are basically defending a fraud, a man who take the glory that should squarely be put on the players.

Of course I don't believe that you are even close to the reality, Mourinho isn't a fraud.

That's nothing like what I've said though is it? You're trying to twist my words to find an angle. Mourinho's career is well documented and much scrutinised, I've not mentioned anything that hasn't already been stated elsewhere. First and foremost, he focuses on nullifying the strengths of the opposition, whilst affording less time to coming up with systematic ways of attacking. Why do you think people have been crying out for an attacking coach all season?! - because this has long been said about Mourinho.

It is precisely because Mourinho relies on dollar and quality, that'll I'm inclined to see how his XI performs next season. Because that is simply the reality. I'm speaking objectively. It is a fair criticism of Mourinho that he does need to spend to achieve the best results.

 

[steffyr2]

It is very clear that Mourinho has big issues trying to motivate this team for a game.

The players just don't give a **** unless imminent embarrassment is looming.

Something needs to change with the players next season.

fyp

 

[JPRouve]

That's nothing like what I've said though is it? You're trying to twist my words to find an angle. Mourinho's career is well documented and much scrutinised, I've not mentioned anything that hasn't already been stated elsewhere. First and foremost, he focuses on nullifying the strengths of the opposition, whilst affording less time to coming up with systematic ways of attacking. Why do you think people have been crying out for an attacking coach all season?! - because this has long been said about Mourinho.

It is precisely because Mourinho relies on dollar and quality, that'll I'm inclined to see how his XI performs next season. Because that is simply the reality. I'm speaking objectively. It is a fair criticism of Mourinho that he does need to spend to achieve the best results.

Which comes back to my initial point, the players that are succeeding are the ones he inherited, the defense. While our problem is with the area where he focused his purchases, the attack and the midfield. Surely you see the problem, if Mourinho doesn't coach the attackers and playmakers then we can already worry a lot because the men that he chose are not showing any sign of self management.

Just to make it clear, Lingard, Pogba, Sanchez, Lukaku and Matic are his men. He probably could upgrade Lingard and bring a right wingers but he still have 5 out of 6 players that are his men.

 

[breakout67]

Should be sacked if we have a poor start to next season. Anything less than 90 points or the PL title and he should also be sacked.

 

[Jacko21]

Which comes back to my initial point, the players that are succeeding are the ones he inherited, the defense. While our problem is with the area where he focused his purchases, the attack and the midfield. Surely you see the problem, if Mourinho doesn't coach the attackers and playmakers then we can already worry a lot because the men that he chose are not showing any sign of self management.

Just to make it clear, Lingard, Pogba, Sanchez, Lukaku and Matic are his men. He probably could upgrade Lingard and bring a right wingers but he still have 5 out of 6 players that are his men.

That’s a fair assessment. Though in the main, Lukaku and Matic have done what is asked of them.

But I wouldn’t underestimate the difference two attack-minded, overlapping full backs and a natural winger could make to this XI.

Enjoyable discussion!

 

[Treble]

Jose's team/players are choosen as per personality, mentality and fighting attitude rather than technicality. This is a good thing (just ask Arsenal fan). However, there comes times in a season where players are not mentally prepared for some games ( e.g., after a big win) or the one that is virtually meaningless. Or even if players are motivated enough , they just happen to meet opponents who have more desire. If the team is built on technicality, a certain gameplan and front foot approach , opponent having more desire is not a big problem. But if the team is based on hard work and effort , it's possible that we fall short against hard working sides.
It all boils down to how Jose is shaping our squad. If Neymar and Willian is available , who will Jose pick? If Xabi Alonso and Matic is available who will Jose choose. If lukaku and Aguero is available upfront who will Jose pick.

This is not incompatible with the team being built on technicality though. Anyway, City and Liverpool are working harder than this Jose team. If anything, United are amiongst the laziest teams in the PL.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

I dont think we'll see the full 'meltdown' this time, mainly because I genuinely think 'that Jose' has gone. The Old Jose used to have a ridiculous level of passion that would bubble over and cause a meltdown/fallouts with players, I don't think he has the fire in his belly anymore for all that. My prediction is a relatively uneventful parting of ways in May 2019.

He'll sign a RB, a LB and two CM's this summer. He'll sell Darmian, Blind, Shaw, hopefully Fellaini, a CB and Martial, unfortunately.

We'll finish next season 3rd (Liverpool will be City's main title rival), and reach a domestic cup final. Possibly winning it. We'll go out in the last 16 of the CL after a drab group stage. May 2019, after the cup final, it'll be announced that we've decided to amicably part ways. He'll be thanked for the trophies he won, and for cementing us as a top 3 club again.

Then a new manager will come in and find a squad full of players aged around 28-30+ and will need a big rebuild, so the nonsense will start again.

 

[redIndianDevil]

So you think that Mourinho doesn't coach his teams, he doesn't develop players individually and collective? How does he stops the opposition, does he have super powers?

He does what Pulis, Allardyce, Hodgson, Dyche have done in England for so many years. It's not difficult to set up your team to dig deep and play percentage football. That's why these managers keep getting hired by relegation contenders every year. Mourinho advantage was that he did well with Porto and Chelsea and got himself top jobs with ridiculous spending power, which gave him access to buy 2-3 world class players to produce magic when rest of the squad is forced to play percentage football.