Jose Mourinho moves to centre stage and other Man United talking points

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

    Manchester United had goalkeeper David De Gea to thank once again after his stunning first-half save earned a goalless draw at Sevilla in this Champions League round-of-16 opener.

    De Gea, 27, had already denied Joaquin Correa and Steven N’Zonzi  by the time he defied expectations to save Luis Muriel’s rocketed header deep into first-half injury time. United started Paul Pogba on the bench and Belgium centre forward Romelu Lukaku volleyed over their best chance.

    MOURINHO MOVES TO CENTRE STAGE

    Assessing the motivations of Jose Mourinho becomes more befuddling with each passing week.

    ‘The Special One’ has seemingly marked January’s signing of a contract extension by going to war with his best asset, rather than building a side to fit Paul Pogba’s graceful qualities.

    All the build-up to this tie centred on whether his £89 million (Dh455.1m) man was either well enough to start, or even deemed worthy of doing so?

    Stories breaking across British media about two hours before kick-off that he would not be in the XI appeared intriguingly choreographed.

    In the end, an early injury to Ander Herrera – which drew criticism post-match from the boss – saw Pogba escape the substitutes’ bench. Will Mourinho have been pleased with what he saw?

    A return from the France superstar of one tackle, one shot and one key pass did not reflect his talents. Yet again.

    Stellar January recruit Alexis Sanchez was also the first man hooked. Was this decision made on performance alone, or designed to show no-one is safe?

    It is intriguing to see how his reign develops.

    Paul Pogba coming on as an early substitute.

    Paul Pogba coming on as an early substitute.

    DAVE SAVES YET AGAIN

    Any doubts about the identity of the world’s finest goalkeeper were ended during a first-half injury time which defied belief.

    Twice, David De Gea was called into action. Twice, he displayed superhuman composure and athleticism to prevent a United implosion.

    Panic would have paralysed most mortals when Sweden centre-back Victor Lindelof unfathomably let a ball run in the penalty box. The ice which runs through De Gea’s veins instead saw him clear with a minimum of fuss.

    Even better was to come seconds later. United’s other calamity-prone defender Chris Smalling completely lost Colombia forward Luis Muriel, an inch-perfect cross leaving De Gea’s goal wide open.

    A powerful header seemed bound for goal. No blame would have been attached to the Spain No1 if it had gone in, yet explosive reactions and powerful wrists left Muriel agog.

    By 68 minutes, he’d made seven saves – his highest in this term’s competition. United boast the Premier League’s meanest defence, but De Gea’s 87 stops is the joint-second highest.

    Where would they be without him?

    IT’S ALL ABOUT HISTORY

    For a club of Manchester United’s prestige, standing and history, it speaks volumes about the chaos post-Sir Alex Ferguson that this was their first knockout stage match in the Champions League for four, middling, years.

    When placed into that context, it is eminently understandable that current supremo Mourinho deployed a tight line-up when on the road.

    Unlike Ferguson, he isn’t in control of England’s best club. Not even close.

    Neither is this squad blessed with know-how in Europe’s elite club competition. Juan Mata was the only Champions League winner in the XI – and that was earned with Chelsea nearly six years ago.

    Halcyon days of the Red Devils turning up at European outposts and dictating terms are recalled. But significant historical revisionism is at play.

    Even under Ferguson, he of 38 major trophies in 26 years, they didn’t swashbuckle their way to continental success. Anything but.

    A solitary away win at Roma was recorded in the knockouts when the trophy was last lifted in 2007/08.

    United were disjointed and Sevilla shot-stopper Sergio Rico only had to make one save. But we’ve been here before.

    Short memories are at play.

    Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku on the charge.

    Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku on the charge.

    Recommended