There’s a disconnect between Jose Mourinho and the people running Manchester United, in particular, Ed Woodward. The dysfunctional relationship, which is such because Mourinho didn’t get what he wanted during the summer transfer window, makes the Portuguese manager unhappy. When he’s unhappy, everybody’s unhappy.
Loss to Brighton signals the alarm
Last week, an early penalty helped United defeat Leicester City, even though they weren’t the better side in the contest. Their weaknesses were exposed in Brighton, where three first-half goals by Murray, Duffy and Gross put the visitors in a hole they couldn’t get out of. It was all defence for The Seagulls afterwards, who didn’t record a single attempt on goal in the second period. Yet, that doesn’t justify Manchester United’s measly nine attempts over the course of 90 minutes, five of each came in a second half in which they were supposed to be chasing a result.
The loss to Brighton is simply a demonstration of the club’s current state. Pogba and Mourinho are at odds, the players are uncomfortable in the tense surroundings and the whole situation reminds of the one at Chelsea before “The Special One” was sacked.
Zidane Manchester United rumours maximize the pressure
Last week, he received the backing of United’s managing board. However, news that Zinedine Zidane might be interested in the job changes the entire complexity of the situation, because when Zidane’s available, nobody’s untouchable.
After a season without silverware in which arch rival Pep Guardiola created a monster in Manchester City and a battered Chelsea beat The Red Devils in the FA Cup final, trophies are a must for Mourinho this season. Unless he figures out a way to invigorate his squad and fix the relationship with his employers, the 55-year-old manager could become a free agent soon, especially if the Zidane rumours are real. Less moaning about what others are doing (he said last week that Manchester City lack class and Liverpool are trying to buy the title) and more focus on his team’s performances on the pitch would be a good place to start.
