The biggest football club in the world is in trouble.
Last Sunday may have marked the beginning of the end for Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
United played a spineless first half followed by a slightly improved, but yet utterly impotent, second half. On the other side of the field, relegation candidate Brighton looked comfortable throughout.
Courtesy: ITV.com
Paul Pogba was unfocused and inconsistent for United, indicative of the dire circumstances that this club finds itself in. In the 3-2 defeat, Pogba gave away the ball more than any player on the pitch.
Indeed, Pogba illustrates what’s wrong with the modern footballer. But, just as bad, is that Pogba’s teammates were simply appalling. That’s the harrowing truth!
Meanwhile, on the touchline, Mourinho cut a dejected and worn-down figure. It was the body language of a man who may need a long sabbatical from a sport to which he once brought refreshing vibrancy. These days, though, it has gone sour for him.
To his credit (and perhaps in his defense) Mourinho is justified for fuming at CEO Ed Woodward regarding Woodward’s inability to obtain much-needed reinforcements. New players are needed to close the gap with rival Manchester City.
That said, Mourinho’s position is unilaterally untenable. Among other things, his demeanour is reportedly having a detrimental impact on the playing staff, who look both inhibited and stifled.
If Utd lose to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on the August 27th, then the writing may well be on the wall and the daggers could be out to draw blood.
Mourinho will be fortunate to see Christmas as United’s boss.
These are dark times for Manchester United. And, worse yet, it is unlikely that sacking Mourinho will see a dramatic upturn in the club’s fortunes. These voracious American owners are effectively exploiting the club for financial gain. There seems to be no concern for the team’s average supporter or–indeed–for the club’s deep-rooted and proud football tradition.
Ed Woodward (photo, SportsJOE.ie)
The Glazers’ puppet–Ed Woodward–makes football-related decisions without having kicked a football in his life. So it is very hard to envisage a return for United to the glory days of Premier League crowns and overcoming Europe’s elite in the Champions League.
What a woeful state for the biggest football club in the world!
