Winning the FA Cup this weekend would only serve to paper over the cracks.
It has been five years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and there’s still no sign of a Premier League title at Old Trafford. There’s widespread disillusionment amongst the United faithful–even with an FA Cup Final in store this weekend.
Courtesy: Mirror.co.uk
It would appear undue pragmatism in big occasions has been the biggest contributor to this general vibe–combined with the lack of success amongst the undoubtedly talented ‘flair’ players that make up United’s final third.
Utd’s dismal two-legged display against a mediocre (at best) Sevilla side raised major doubts about Mourinho’s approach. Starting with a rusty Fellaini in the engine room raised eyebrows, as did the omission of record-breaking signing Paul Pogba and the in-form Scott McTominay.
Fans expected to blow such an outfit away, and rightly so. Many felt Mourinho’s tactical approach, team selection, and indeed his bizarre comments post-match were inappropriate and unbefitting of a Manchester United manager.
This Sevilla side had a negative goal difference in La Liga and struggled to get into the top four in a league that doesn’t compare in either competitiveness or quality to the Premier League.
United could and should have been bolder in its approach. Sevilla should have been battered.
Meanwhile, Liverpool went to Portugal and blew FC Porto to pieces. This was difficult to accept for Manchester Utd fans and many felt it was absolute low-point in the Mourinho tenure. Why give this side so much respect? Pragmatism in this tie was entirely unwarranted as far as United faithful were concerned.
It would appear this coming transfer window could be either make or break for Jose Mourinho. Another season of City dominance–with no sign of United bridging the gap significantly–could spark the beginning of the end for Mourinho.
It would appear that the exciting, vivacious, and effervescent Liverpool could challenge also, which would only heap more pressure on Jose. With Keita coming in (presumably filling in behind their deadly front three) and with potentially more additions, they are a threat to be considered very seriously.
What do Utd need? What are they lacking?
First of all, there’s evidence of a weak mentality amongst the playing staff, which includes lack of maturity and professionalism.
Paul Pogba (photo, South China Morning Post)
Is Paul Pogba totally focused on his football?
Should Jesse Lingard be pulling off ridiculous dance moves, despite being a million points behind archrival Manchester City?
Should United be losing points against the Huddersfield’s, Brighton’s and Newcastle’s of this world?
No chance! No chance! No chance!
The situation must be rectified before this club can get serious about achieving title #21. Keane, Robson, Vidic, Pallister, Stam, or Bruce would never tolerate it. Where are such characters amongst the current crop? Players of that caliber aren’t cradled in their upbringing, where things are easy and adversity is seldom found.
The absence of such characters is precisely Manchester United’s problem at present. A group of selfish, prima donnas–many of whom can be rightly accused of being less focused on football–would have been acceptable in years gone by at this great institution.
Winning the FA Cup this weekend would only serve to paper over the cracks.
And if Manchester United fails in the bid to halt their rivals next season, then it’s likely that Mourinho’s days are numbered.
Seen by many as an appointment resembling a quick fix, he’s hardly the true, long-term manager this club seeks or requires. Failure to entertain and failure to implement exciting, cut-throat, fast, and direct football at Old Trafford can be tolerated for so long.
An expectant fanbase awaits something more.
