Manchester United have sacked boss Jose Mourinho after a run of poor results culminating in a 3-1 defeat at arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Sky Sports reports that assistant boss Michael Carrick is set to take temporary charge.
The defeat at Anfield left the Red Devils sixth place in the Premier League table, 11 points behind the top-four and a massive 19 points behind leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.
Finally happened after a poor campaign
In truth, the decision may not surprise many people, as United are experiencing their worse start to a top-flight season in 28 years. In recent weeks, speculation has been rife that Mourinho could leave the Manchester club.
United’s performances and results have been poor. The standard of football played by the team has also been dire. Even Mourinho himself could not have been enjoying the last few months, as the team lurched from one mediocre display to another.
Many connected with the club believe that United have a bigger problem than just the coach. However, Mourinho was just one of many big egos in that United dressing room. Even at his most successful, Sir Alex Ferguson would not let his ego get in the way of what was best for the team and club.
Should have been a match made in heaven
It is difficult to argue over Mourinho status as one of the greatest bosses in the modern era of European football. His trophy count alone does the talking on that count.
When he became boss of one of the biggest football clubs in the world in the shape of Manchester United in 2016, it should have been a match made in heaven. The Portuguese boss seemed to be the sort of big character that United needed to move them forward.
His first two seasons saw relative progress in United’s position in the table, even if the football was not great. However, there has always been a section of the United fans and media that have questioned Mourinho’s fit at United.
There have also been reported personality clashes between Mourinho and French World Cup winner Paul Pogba. Something was not right in the dressing room, which was reflected in the team’s results.
Mourinho has never been the most cheery chap has looked like a dead man walking at times in the United dugout. In the last few weeks, it has almost felt like a case of when he is sacked, rather than if the team have been playing so badly.
Who next for Manchester United?
According to media reports, United are set to make a swift appointment, whether that is short-term or long-term is unclear. However, there are numerous top bosses out of jobs at the minute, with the likes Zinedine Zidane, Laurent Blanc and another former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte all unemployed.
The current favourite for the United job is former Real Madrid boss Zidane at odds of 5/4. The likes of Guus Hiddink, Antonio Conte and Leonardo Jardim are also high in the betting for the job.
While some mischievous scamps are suggesting former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger or former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce could be parachuted in to save United’s season. I doubt either of the veteran bosses will be discussed as Mourinho replacements.
Whoever comes in to replace the 55-year-old, the football has to be better than it was under Mourinho in the final months. The Red Devils hired him to bring back the glory days. However, unfortunately for United, the Portuguese boss failed to achieve his objective in Manchester.
Mourinho is still one of the greatest football bosses of the modern era. However, his time at Manchester United will be considered as a massive blot on his copybook.
Did Jose Mourinho deserve the sack?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
