After three defeats in a week for the Manchester side, the doubt that shadowed Jose Mourhino’s last few months as Chelsea boss has returned.
Last Saturday, against their City rivals, United were given their first real test in the Mourinho era. Manchester City asked questions of Manchester United, and United failed to answer them.
I expected a more organised and patient display from Mourinho’s men. However, they tried to go toe-to-toe with City. This, in turn, meant that City were given the space and time to control the game throughout. Manchester United seem to lack that creative spark upfront to trouble Manchester City.
Again on Thursday, we saw United struggle to impose themselves on a Feyenoord side that hey should have beaten comfortably. Manchester United seem to lack any drive and determination, it looked like we were watching a Manchester United from 12 months ago. Granted, Tonny Vilhena’s 79th-minute goal was offside but this doesn’t make up for the limp performance throughout the game.
Marcus Rashford lead the attack on the night, but was more of a spectator throughout the game until he was replaced mid-way through the second half. The creativity upfront was once again lacking from the Manchester United players.
In the first half against Watford, the hangover continued as United were beaten once again by Watford for the first time in 30 years.
Watford seemed to have the impetus from the start, and Manchester United struggled to play with the same oomph as the Hornets.
Watford went into the break in the lead after the fourth goal of the season for Capoue.
After the break, Manchester United came back into it and got a deserved equaliser through Marcus Rashford. I expect United to push on and win the game. However, they couldn’t find the required killer instinct and they were punished by two late Watford goals.
Overall, over the last week Manchester United’s performances have been poor. Although, if I was a United fan my biggest concern would be Jose Mourhino’s reaction to the defeats.
Every time Mourhino’s back is against the wall, instead of coming out fighting, he decides to leave the blame at everyone else’s door than his own. His manner of laying the blame at solely the players door often leads to trouble down the line for the Portuguese manager.
Jose Mourhino needs to take the responsibility for his teams downfall over the last week, otherwise we could see a repeat of what occurred at his last job.