Two months ago he was labelled a bigger flop than David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, but now, Jose Mourinho is showing exactly why he was the man who should have replaced Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United all along.
Moyes returns to Old Trafford with Sunderland today with heads still being shaken in embarrassment among the Stretford End faithful that the man dubbed the ‘Chosen One’ ever graced the home dugout. Mourinho may not like to be referred to as the Special One anymore, but he has quickly proved this season why he is, and always was, more worthy of the United job than the Scotsman, and indeed Louis van Gaal.
On November 3, after United’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Fenerbahce, the knives were out. Critics pointed out that after 16 games, the ex-Chelsea boss had won eight, drawn three and lost five. His 27 points were worse at the same stage than both Moyes (31) and Van Gaal (28).
It hasn’t been an easy transition, but United are finally starting to look fluid under Mourinho. Unbeaten in 10 games since that lackluster display in Turkey 53 days ago, they have chalked up several impressive displays – most notably the 4-1 EFL Cup defeat of West Ham and Premier League victories against Tottenham and West Brom.
Besides the fact United are starting to perform on the field under the Portuguese, the major difference between him and his predecessors is his ability and willingness to make difficult decisions off it. Many United fans will have been perturbed by Morgan Schneiderlin’s request to leave the club. Whether he has never been given a fair crack of the whip or that he was a misguided purchase in the first place, Mourinho is acting swiftly.
Moyes famously dithered over signing Marouane Fellaini in 2013 for £27.5 million when he could have had him £3.5m cheaper. There was the generous awarding of a five-year contract to Nani despite an underwhelming 2012/13. Not to mention his and Van Gaal’s pandering to Wayne Rooney who would likely have left had Ferguson stayed on.
Then there are the players Mourinho has kept. Phil Jones’ return to prominence has been a welcome boost.
The England international has started the last 11 games and been one of United’s best performers. Meanwhile, other potential landmines in the form of Juan Mata and Ander Herrera’s futures have also been diffused with the Spanish duo now vital components of Mourinho’s team, moving the ball quickly between defence and in attack while contributing six goals and four assists between them.
United need to maintain their form and keep building momentum throughout the crucial festive period and into 2017. Thankfully, they have a nice run of games starting with Moyes’ Sunderland today, plus Middlesbrough at home and a trip to the Hammers after that.
With Mourinho beginning to mould United into his own vision, the dark days of Moyes and Van Gaal finally appear to be clearing.
