Mourinho says it will be difficult to catch City next season

[VancouverUtdFan]

Getting his excuses in early I see.

It should be very, very easy.

Go ahead, tell us the plan then / give us the blueprints if it’s so easy.


Fact of the matter is, City have a much better side than us and will match every dollar United spend with 1.5 dollars of their own.

...José is just stating the reality of the situation. People getting all butthurt or trying to put JM at fault don’t have a clue. He and United were at a disadvantage to begin with and will be the next few years; it’s going to be an uphill battle without a doubt.

 

[Morpheus 7]

This is just pressure he's putting on the board to get signings sanctioned. We need the right signings this summer. Two full backs, CM and CB in my opinion. City won't win as many points next year, freak season and they will drop more points. Anyone that thinks different hasn't wached the league enough over recent years. Retaining the league is really difficult and teams will raise there game and approach them differently. We need to get a positive result this time around. Our season has seemed to crumble after getting beat the last two seasons by them. I think we can easily bridge the gap but signings in key areas must be addressed.

 

[SirAF]

OP really wants to spin everything into a negative.

/thread

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

This is him telling Woodward to dig deep.

This is just pressure he's putting on the board to get signings sanctioned. We need the right signings this summer. Two full backs, CM and CB in my opinion. City won't win as many points next year, freak season and they will drop more points. Anyone that thinks different hasn't wached the league enough over recent years. Retaining the league is really difficult and teams will raise there game and approach them differently. We need to get a positive result this time around. Our season has seemed to crumble after getting beat the last two seasons by them. I think we can easily bridge the gap but signings in key areas must be addressed.

/thread

Concurred.

 

[Tarrou]

Playing down our chances in public is probably the right thing to do at this point. We're 19 points behind which is a world apart, and some complacency from city wouldn't go a miss.

You can bet your life Jose only has eyes on the title next year though - no doubt about that.

Jose also likes to use the press to apply pressure on the board too, which he might be doing here again. As in, we need a massive budget to catch city.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

Accusing me of spinning.
The title and the post are literally from the horse's mouth. Take it whatever way you want .

Funny you say that

“ But we will try . ”

That’s from your own mouth though is it not? Sounds like spinning to me.

 

[AlwaysRed66]

If we had performed as well as Tottenham have done, with the resources they have available compared to ours, we would have won the league. So saying it will be difficult to compete with city because of their resources is nonsense.

 

[Kevin]

The irony in people laughing at the so called 'martial fanboys' is in the fact that these brave men are proud members of the Mourinho sect.

 

[Lawman]

The thing is he is not tiers below the best, he is not world class, but certainly not as bad as you rate him. As for build up and transition, that depends on the manager. Smalling played under LVG, and had no problem in the build up and transition. Also, if Jose does not think he is good enough, then don't play him, yet Jose constantly starts him ahead of others. Jose just does not value it as much as you seem do, or else he would not have played. Also, if you stats don't tell the entire story, but they give a good general idea of a teams strengths and weaknesses. The fact that the same defenders have done well under two very different managers tell that they are not as bad as you believe them to be.

It is the fact that they don't start ahead of Smalling, even though as you suggest he does not offer much in the build up. If Mourinho trusted them, they would play. Mourinho has his favourites, and the ones he trusts always start regardless of form. Of course we can win the league with this defence, City have Stones,Otamendi and Kompany in their defence, and they are no better than what we have. Delph has played as their LB for majority of the season. Only Walker has been a big upgrade for them. Their defense is not better than ours, and they are winning the league easily. Smalling and Jones have both won the league previously, so it is nonsense that they are the reason we are not close to even challenging for the title. Again, our defense is not the problem that is stopping us from winning the league.

No wonder you think the squad was shocking if you consider a squad as only 5 or 6 players. You seem to only count the players that were not good enough as part of the squad, and not the ones that are good enough. Yeah you better stop, repeating hyperbolic nonsense won't make it true. And no matter how much money we throw at the team, we won't win with Jose at the helm with this shit football. Something he seems to know as well, so is getting his excuses out early.

Smalling has always had a problem with distribution under every manager. Under LVG he had top class sitting midfielders (past their best granted) coming taking the ball off him to make it easier. Matic has improved this area we lacked the season before but still not great.
Smalling is around Cahill level the problem being when we play inexperienced centre backs beside him Smalling I feel needs guided through games still. Yes of course we can win the league with him he’s a very good player.

To be fair to the last poster our squad was bereft of quality with (DDG, Martial/Rashford two young kids aside Smalling and Valencia were our main players). Jose has bought 8 players in Pogba, Matic, Bailey, Myktaryin, Sanchez, Lindelof and Lukaku + (Zlatan). I must say I’m happy with the quality coming in, yes they won’t all be a success but this is the same for every manager and club.
We are way short still at full back and right wing plus another midfielder would add greatly to our play. This is not something I blame our manager for as he was left such a mess he’s had to really juggle our finances and squad whilst still winning trophies and he’s done that well.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

If we had performed as well as Tottenham have done, with the resources they have available compared to ours, we would have won the league. So saying it will be difficult to compete with city because of their resources is nonsense.

With all due respect, wtf does this even mean

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

@Ace of Spades

Go to bed

 

[Lawman]

The irony in people laughing at the so called 'martial fanboys' is in the fact that these brave men are proud members of the Mourinho sect.

Very poor @Kevin I think Martial is well over rated in here. Not to think I think he’s poor as he could become top drawer but to do that he needs to improve off the ball and I’ve not seen signs of that in three seasons now. So I’d be thinking the same with or without Jose here. Sounds like an easy but crass option for you to take buddy calling supporters of our manager a sect.

 

[Donnie Brasco]

He is just being realistic most likely about the transfer window. He wont be able to spend what's required to catch City, we need 4-6 signings and that would be 200+.
Something the Glazers will never sanction.

Had we spend when we were on top, winning Cl and league titles we would of never found ourselves in this position.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

The irony in people laughing at the so called 'martial fanboys' is in the fact that these brave men are proud members of the Mourinho sect.

Doesn’t go hand in hand at all.

Martial has flatlined since joining United and all he has is “potential” which he’s shown flashes of over a few years now yet hasn’t strung it together. Over more than 1 managers.

United have not flatlined and have improved drastically with José.


...dunno what your point was but definitely apples to oranges.

 

[It's B Rubble]

Getting his excuses in early I see.

Got a binder full of them.

 

[Speedicut75]

Very poor @Kevin I think Martial is well over rated in here. Not to think I think he’s poor as he could become top drawer but to do that he needs to improve off the ball and I’ve not seen signs of that in three seasons now. So I’d be thinking the same with or without Jose here. Sounds like an easy but crass option for you to take buddy calling supporters of our manager a sect.

"verified moaner", don't you know.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Doesn’t go hand in hand at all.

Martial has flatlined since joining United and all he has is “potential” which he’s shown flashes of over a few years now yet hasn’t strung it together. Over more than 1 managers.

United have not flatlined and have improved drastically with José.


...dunno what your point was but definitely apples to oranges.

I'd love to know your definition of "drastically".

In two seasons he's brought us from 5th, to 6th, to 2nd. Ok, not bad I guess, hardly a "drastic" improvement considering he's spent £300m+ including the most expensive transfer ever at the time and getting one of the PL's best players over the last 3-4 seasons.

Well, sure, but we're in the final of the FA Cup, is that drastic? Probably not seeing as LvG actually won the FA Cup.

Drastic improvements would be City under Guardiola who've gone from stuttering into 4th to winning the PL by a record points total, or Liverpool under Klopp who went from being 8th when he took over to a CL spot and the CL final, or Chelsea last year under Conte who went from top 10 to 1st.

There's nothing drastic about this improvement under Mourinho, especially when the football under him in contrast to the players and money he has at his disposal is so fecking abysmal to watch.

He has improved us, but not nearly as much as he should have, certainly not drastically, but he will need to improve us drastically next season, that's for sure, because he won't get another chance to do so if he doesn't.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

He is just being realistic most likely about the transfer window. He wont be able to spend what's required to catch City, we need 4-6 signings and that would be 200+.
Something the Glazers will never sanction.

Had we spend when we were on top, winning Cl and league titles we would of never found ourselves in this position.

Pretty much. He’s just trying to squeeze out every last penny available to give United the best chance possible. The playing field is not level at all and it’s going to take a bloodbath of an effort.

I’m convinced people here are either A) really out of sync with their footballing knowledge or B) just that blind...like seriously, think about this for a moment: we have the likes of Mata, Darmian, Shaw, Young, Smalling, Blind, Valencia, Fellaini, Herrera that we rely on, on a consistent basis in order to get results. That’s insanity and shows how far off we are. Those guys are average at best or below average and have no right being relied on to start so frequently for a club like United against City and their Sheikhs. 3/4 (possibly more) of City’s starters are permanently resolved and locked in. United maybe 1/4 of their starting 11 as locks and everything else a revolving door.

Like Jesus feck it amazes me how deluded some of our fans are that think it’s José and that we’re neck and neck with a City. Take a hike...

 

[R o o K]

I don't understand why people moaning about Jose spending more money. We are the most valuable team in the world and number 1 in profits. Why not spend some of the profits to better ourselves. He knows how to do it, and most of his signings have been spot on. It's not like he is raiding your personal bank account to spend your monies.

And he is right, Man City are better at the moment and we need to do something to beat them next season. Our current squad is not up to Man Utd standards, everyone knows that.

 

[Donnie Brasco]

Pretty much. He’s just trying to squeeze out every last penny available to give United the best chance possible. The playing field is not level at all and it’s going to take a bloodbath of an effort.

I’m convinced people here are either A) really out of sync with their footballing knowledge or B) just that blind...like seriously, think about this for a moment: we have the likes of Mata, Darmian, Shaw, Young, Smalling, Blind, Valencia, Fellaini, Herrera that we rely on, on a consistent basis in order to get results. That’s insanity and shows how far off we are. Those guys are average at best or below average and have no right being relied on to start so frequently for a club like United against City and their Sheikhs. 3/4 (possibly more) of City’s starters are permanently resolved and locked in. United maybe 1/4 of their starting 11 as locks and everything else a revolving door.

Like Jesus feck it amazes me how deluded some of our fans are that think it’s José and that we’re neck and neck with a City. Take a hike...

I think that's what holding us back most at the moment. There is no reality check among our fanbase anymore regarding the quality of our squad and alot of these players.
People think that if we put on som Utd shirts on some bang average players they will suddenly turn world class.

Barcelona won the double and have spent 150 on just one player, and will spend another 100 on another attacking player, that's basically what we spent on rebuilding this squad.

Pep started of with having De Bruyne, Aguero, Silva, Fernandinho, Sterling, they were all better than anything Jose inherited.
What would Silva, Aguero cost in this market?

 

[Lawman]

I'd love to know your definition of "drastically".

In two seasons he's brought us from 5th, to 6th, to 2nd. Ok, not bad I guess, hardly a "drastic" improvement considering he's spent £300m+ including the most expensive transfer ever at the time and getting one of the PL's best players over the last 3-4 seasons.

Well, sure, but we're in the final of the FA Cup, is that drastic? Probably not seeing as LvG actually won the FA Cup.

Drastic improvements would be City under Guardiola who've gone from stuttering into 4th to winning the PL by a record points total, or Liverpool under Klopp who went from being 8th when he took over to a CL spot and the CL final, or Chelsea last year under Conte who went from top 10 to 1st.

There's nothing drastic about this improvement under Mourinho, especially when the football under him in contrast to the players and money he has at his disposal is so fecking abysmal to watch.

He has improved us, but not nearly as much as he should have, certainly not drastically, but he will need to improve us drastically next season, that's for sure, because he won't get another chance to do so if he doesn't.

You answered your own question here buddy to start with then seemed to go off in a rage to disprove yourself.

Jose has clearly improved us, Conte got a team who had downed tools who a few months earlier had just won the league this season has been very poor for him.

Klopp has taken Liverpool to a CL final with an incredible run in the draw. Not taking it away from him as we had one not much dissimilar. But we are better off in the league.

Pep has had a magnificent league run this season but he was poor last year after spending bucket loads to an already best squad in the league (who had downed tools when Pelegrini got fired a year in advance). They seriously under achieved finishing 4th under Peligrini but had their reasons. We punched above our weight finishing 5th that season (under LVG) believe it or not we were that average. 12 0/0 HT scores at home says it all.

Wenger has had a shocker and Poch has been lucky to get top 4 as Chelsea and Arsenal have had poor league campaigns and this has papered over Spurs season for me.

Just my opinion.

 

[Lawman]

I think that's what holding us back most at the moment. There is no reality check among our fanbase anymore regarding the quality of our squad and alot of these players.
People think that if we put on som Utd shirts on some bang average players they will suddenly turn world class.

Barcelona won the double and have spent 150 on just one player, and will spend another 100 on another attacking player, that's basically what we spent on rebuilding this squad.

Pep started of with having De Bruyne, Aguero, Silva, Fernandinho, Sterling, they were all better than anything Jose inherited.
What would Silva, Aguero cost in this market?

Spot on.

 

[Massive Spanner]

You answered your own question here buddy to start with then seemed to go off in a rage to disprove yourself.

Jose has clearly improved us, Conte got a team who had downed tools who a few months earlier had just won the league this season has been very poor for him.

Klopp has taken Liverpool to a CL final with an incredible run in the draw. Not taking it away from him as we had one not much dissimilar. But we are better off in the league.

Pep has had a magnificent league run this season but he was poor last year after spending bucket loads to an already best squad in the league (who had downed tools when Pelegrini got fired a year in advance). They seriously under achieved finishing 4th under Peligrini but had their reasons. We punched above our weight finishing 5th that season (under LVG) believe it or not we were that average. 12 0/0 HT scores at home says it all.

Wenger has had a shocker and Poch has been lucky to get top 4 as Chelsea and Arsenal have had poor league campaigns and this has papered over Spurs season for me.

Just my opinion.

Nah you've just misunderstood me.

I'm not debating against Mourinho improving us. I'm debating against him drastically improving us. He has improved us, but not remotely enough in two years for it to be considered acceptable, let alone some fantastic, "drastic" improvement.

The hint is in the fact that I say the word "drastically" around five times in my post.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

I think that's what holding us back most at the moment. There is no reality check among our fanbase anymore regarding the quality of our squad and alot of these players.
People think that if we put on som Utd shirts on some bang average players they will suddenly turn world class.

Barcelona won the double and have spent 150 on just one player, and will spend another 100 on another attacking player, that's basically what we spent on rebuilding this squad.

Pep started of with having De Bruyne, Aguero, Silva, Fernandinho, Sterling, they were all better than anything Jose inherited.
What would Silva, Aguero cost in this market?

Yep. Swear, time and time again yet I still remain flabbergasted at the stupidity or shear delusion of some of our fans.

I don’t care who you put in charge of our squad. Unless you have a magic wand or are named Sir Alex Ferguson (same things really), there’s no way you’re going to compete with the likes of City’s quality and their Sheikh money in comparison to the bang average players which compose the vast majority of United’s squad.

 

[Treble]

It's a perfectly reasonable statement. No need to put extra pressure on the players and to raise the epxectations of United fans with bombastic promises. 90 pts next season would be great. If City win more points, fair play.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Yep. Swear, time and time again yet I still remain flabbergasted at the stupidity or shear delusion of some of our fans.

I don’t care who you put in charge of our squad. Unless you have a magic wand or are named Sir Alex Ferguson (same things really), there’s no way you’re going to compete with the likes of City’s quality and their Sheikh money in comparison to the bang average players which compose the vast majority of United’s squad.

you're talking as if City spend double what we do, what are you on about?

They've spent £150m more than us in the last five seasons, are you really saying that £150m is the reason they've been so much better than us this season? Sure, they still have 2 great players from before then, Aguero and Silva, but guess what, we have De Gea, the best fecking keeper in the world.

 

[Bestietom]

Mourinho is right. We will have to improve a great deal to match City next season.

They are going to bring in another few top class players, and we need improvement in a lot of positions.

2 full backs, a CB, probably 2 midfielders, and a right winger.

That's 6 top players. Can't see it happening.

 

[OldSchoolManc]

It's a perfectly reasonable statement. No need to put extra pressure on the players and to raise the epxectations of United fans with bombastic promises. 90 pts next season would be great. If City win more points, fair play.

That’s a very good point. If we get 90 points next season, play with more flair and score more goals. Then still finish 2nd - Are people still going to moan?

 

[Massive Spanner]

That’s a very good point. If we get 90 points next season, play with more flair and score more goals. Then still finish 2nd - Are people still going to moan?

I believe the main issue here is that that's very unlikely to happen. Mourinho hasn't shown any sign so far of it happening at all. I'm not sure why people expect this to change next season exactly. He hasn't done it in the past, why would it happen now just because of 2-3 big summer signings? Our football right now is every bit as shite as when he first took over, we just have better players.

 

[MV12]

To be fair, the vast majority of posts in this forum are completely cack..
Jeez makes me feel like I want to get banned so I can't come here and read all negative dribble that gets consistently posted by so obviously a bunch of spoilt, glory hunter, depressed, adolescents......

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

you're talking as if City spend double what we do, what are you on about?

They've spent £150m more than us in the last five seasons, are you really saying that £150m is the reason they've been so much better than us this season? Sure, they still have 2 great players from before then, Aguero and Silva, but guess what, we have De Gea, the best fecking keeper in the world.

Compare the exceptional players Pep inherited to Mourinho when they both began.

Not rocket science and don’t bother twisting away from this since it’s all I’m saying. Only exceptional player José inherited is De Gea. Every other position since SAF’s retirement is/was a revolving door for José. Unless you have Sheikh money, you simply can’t fix all those in 1 or 2 summer windows. You just can’t - in comparison to City.

And City hit on a lot of their signings. United have had piss poor luck with Moyes and LVG signing complete duds with huge amounts of money. That doesn’t help and again thus compare the exceptional players both teams/managers inherited.

 

[CM]

Mourinho hasn't done his job well enough so the goalposts are being moved once again. Standard.

 

[Lawman]

Nah you've just misunderstood me.

I'm not debating against Mourinho improving us. I'm debating against him drastically improving us. He has improved us, but not remotely enough in two years for it to be considered acceptable, let alone some fantastic, "drastic" improvement.

The hint is in the fact that I say the word "drastically" around five times in my post.

Yes I picked up drastically but thought you were a bit hyperbole to be honest so let it slide.
Taking us from outside the top four to second is drastically improving us do you not agree? And before you bring up spending again other teams have splashed out £75m on a centre defender £60m + on a midfielder and Chelsea have spunked £60-70m on a centre forward who looks like a poor mans Dzeco. This is not to mention City who have a handful of £50m players on the subs bench (spending is unprecedented in world football) if not even in the match day squad (Stones, Mangala). Or the £125m spent in one season on full backs.
I wish more of our fans on here would look at facts rather than be blinded by hatred for our manager. (That last comment is not specifically aimed at you). But the narrative some people speak is just wrong and overboard regarding our manager who is certainly not without his faults but is doing a very capable and competent job here. Would people rather have LVG or Moyes back? Under these two we lost Nani, Zaha and Adnan all who are better than Mata at right wing. Yet it’s Jose who had to pick up this squad and rebuild it and he’s doing that nicely.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

To be fair, the vast majority of posts in this forum are completely cack..
Jeez makes me feel like I want to get banned so I can't come here and read all negative dribble that gets consistently posted by so obviously a bunch of spoilt, glory hunter, depressed, adolescents......

You’re not the only one.

I just try my best to remain level headed with the out of touch “fans” hahah

 

[EyeInTheSky]

While his comments are annoying in what world is it very very easy to catch this city team? a team thats broken so many records fot a single season, who will only strengthen over the summer.

Like a moth to a flame. Your name is perfect for this occasion

His comments are not annoying at all. The league is difficult enough to win regardless.

 

[Silver]

Why are people getting salty about this reality? Mourinho is just stating facts which is that Pep and City will continue throwing money to win the title. On the other hand, it's not like we can't compete financially but the reality is Jose realizes that this club is more than just throwing money towards a short term solution.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

Go ahead, tell us the plan then / give us the blueprints if it’s so easy.


Fact of the matter is, City have a much better side than us and will match every dollar United spend with 1.5 dollars of their own.

...José is just stating the reality of the situation. People getting all butthurt or trying to put JM at fault don’t have a clue. He and United were at a disadvantage to begin with and will be the next few years; it’s going to be an uphill battle without a doubt.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

Excellent reply. Very informative. 10/10 would read again.

 

[Jazz]

I think some are missing the point here. It is in our club's DNA not to give up. When we lost most of our team during the Munich disaster, Jimmy Murphy didn't give up in the face of great adversity. The club could have folded but he was insistent and he went scrounging for players all over so we could have a team to carry on.

You don't spout negativity even before the next season has begun. It is not in the fabric of our great club. Why should we change because Mourinho can't get a grip?

You can also manage expectations without being negative. He could for e.g.. say the reality is that the league is more competitive than ever, but more than one team has the opportunity to win and we'll make sure we're one of those in contention irrespective of what others are doing. We'll be leaving everything out on the pitch. If another team ends up being better than us, then fair play to them, but we are not underdogs and we will be fighting etc etc.

In the back gound he should be analysing every single aspect of the team and how he can improve his approach. Not concentrating and then talking publicly about City. He needs to forget about them, and use our considerable resources wisely.

 

[Lawman]

you're talking as if City spend double what we do, what are you on about?

They've spent £150m more than us in the last five seasons, are you really saying that £150m is the reason they've been so much better than us this season? Sure, they still have 2 great players from before then, Aguero and Silva, but guess what, we have De Gea, the best fecking keeper in the world.

They also had Stones Sterling Mangala Fernandinho Hart Kompany Delph Silva and Aguero who would all with the exception of Hart (very experienced pl GK and was clear England no 1) wouldn’t had as we have DDG but the others mentioned would have either walked into our first 11 or are at least better than any our squad players. This is undisputable in my opinion.