Now, the Portuguese manager returns to Chelsea with speculation about his long-term future at Manchester United still rampant.
Things could hardly be going better, however, for current Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri. A share of the Premier League’s early lead has been won in eye-catching fashion, thanks to his trademark ‘Sarri-ball’ style from Napoli being installed at lightning pace.
If his cavalier troops can cut swathes in the United backline, then a tipping point for Mourinho would move ever closer.
Here, Sport360 looks forward to Saturday’s intriguing early Premier League meeting (15:30 UAE).
MOURINHO RUNS THE GAUNTLET
After the emotional turmoil of the come-from-behind, 3-2 win against Newcastle United which preceded the international break, Mourinho would have desired a simple task to build momentum from the ground up.
As befits this campaign of turmoil, there’s no such luck for the ‘Special One’ as he heads back to a club for whom he won eight major honours across two undulating spells.
Mourinho has lost on every occasion at Stamford Bridge since he left Chelsea for a second time in December 2015. This run features four defeats in five away matches, plus no goals scored.
A declaration about being “100 per cent Manchester United” came in his pre-match press conference. Will the club’s board still feel the same if another defeat is incurred?
The boss is focused on the matter at hand. 👊 #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 19, 2018
HAZARD’S WARNING
If there is one figure to exemplify the contrasting current fortunes of these combatants, it’s Eden Hazard.
Whereas United have gone from 2017/18 runners-up to bedraggled also-rans, the Belgium forward is currently enjoying a contrasting journey after a mixed second season – by his exalted standards – under Antonio Conte.
For by far the best figures since he joined the Premier League in 2012, Hazard is: averaging a goal or assist every 58 minutes, shot conversion of 30 per cent and touches per 90 minutes of 100.
After being constrained by Conte, he is revelling in the freedom afforded by fellow Italian Sarri’s joyful approach.
Intriguingly, he used the international break not just to reiterate links to Real Madrid but to say the “one coach” he’d like to work with again is “Mourinho”.
A continuation of his lethal form, however, will move his mentor closer to the exit.
11 - Eden Hazard has had a hand in 11 goals in his last 11 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions (nine goals, two assists). Productive. pic.twitter.com/3U2wDUtKFY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 7, 2018
MOURINHO’S MIDFIELD POSER
An antidote to Hazard could be at hand.
Spain battler Ander Herrera has returned to the squad in a timely manner. He was the key figure in 2016/17’s 2-0 win at Old Trafford, during which an expert man-marking job was performed on the brilliant Belgian.
With Chelsea old boy Nemanja Matic out of touch after summer surgery and Marouane Fellaini an injury doubt, the increased mobility and energy of Herrera could be key once again. Not only in disrupting Hazard, but also the midfield metronome Jorginho in the midfield engine room.
A note of caution, however, comes from the yellow card incurred at Chelsea in March 2017’s FA Cup quarter-final reversal.
I kept all the ones I shanked wide out the video 😜😜 , great assists from Marcos Rojo by the way 👍🏼🔴 pic.twitter.com/RlnZRPH7RH
— Ander Herrera (@AnderHerrera) October 12, 2018
