Will Jose Mourinho turn things around at Manchester United?

The headline sounds strange, as the Premier League campaign is just two games old, and Manchester United have won of those outings. A 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Sunday seems to have brought Mourinho’s critics out in force.

In truth, the question in the title is not about the Red Devils opening two games, but more about United’s summer too. Even in periods of last season, they were poor, but still finished runners-up to rivals Manchester City.

Mourinho not happy during preseason

Many will say when is Jose Mourinho ever happy. However, during preseason he has come across as a man who was on a promise from a liar. The Portuguese boss seems to have been sulking through the summer.

The major problem he has at the moment is that rival Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has better everything. The former Barcelona boss has better players at his disposal and better owners who will give him the money to strengthen his squad.

The rather big turnaround in fortunes in the last few years means that United cannot compete with their rivals for players. That leaves Mourinho and United in an awkward position. It was plain for everybody to see last season that United needed to improve their squad this summer. They were light years behind City, despite a late season 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium.

United have not signed big players and they will struggle to get anywhere near Manchester City this season with the current squad.

Pogba’s presence causing problems

Paul Pogba is no doubt a talented footballer, while Mourinho’s medal collection illustrates the Portuguese’s managerial ability. However the pair has one thing in common, they have massive egos.

The pair have reportedly clashed in the past, although Mourinho has stated that he has never been happier with the Frenchman. Mourinho has even awarded the midfielder with the captaincy. Pogba showed his leadership skills with his national side during the World Cup. There is even a video of the midfielder giving a stirring team-talk during a team meeting prior to the World Cup final against Croatia.

For all the flamboyant behaviour, hairstyles and off the pitch craziness, Pogba is one of the most influential players in the United squad. If such an influential player is unsettled or unhappy it can have a major effect on the team dynamic.

Pogba scored in yesterday’s defeat at Brighton. However, he came after the game in an interview and apologised for his attitude in the defeat. That seems like a rather unprofessional thing to say after a game. Mourinho has endeavoured to get the best out of Pogba by using the media to attempt to motivate the midfielder. However, Pogba has not quite found the form he displayed at Juventus or for France at the World Cup.

If there is no problem between Mourinho and the player, then the Frenchman needs to step up his game and help the team to achieve better results, not in his words play with a poor attitude.

Mourinho the favourite to be next Premier League boss to leave

It seems that Mourinho’s future at Manchester United is in major doubt. The Portuguese boss is now the favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave his club at odds of 11/4.

Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has stated that he believes Mourinho will leave the club before Christmas. With speculation around former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane coming in to replace Mourinho, his exit is not an unrealistic prospect.

Mourinho could well be suffering that much talked about third season syndrome. This phenomenon has plagued the Portuguese boss’s career. For some reason after three seasons, his players or the club he is managing decide he is not for them.

Whether Mourinho can turn the tide at United is unclear. However, what is clear is that United are still nowhere near their city rivals, but there not much shame in that as not many teams are in the same league as the Citizens.

Will Jose Mourinho turn things around at Manchester United?