Following much controversy surrounding the sacking of Louis van Gaal, our Manchester United regulars were delighted to see former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho placed into the hot-seat at Old Trafford.
Mourinho came with a lot of baggage to Old Trafford with us all seeing his previous meltdown at Chelsea.
His sacking at the Blues left many to doubt his credentials once again with him being labelled almost damaged goods by so many experts.
Key signings and the lack of reliance on certain players has enabled Mourinho to bring Manchester United back near to the top of the Premier League table once again.
If Mourinho is to be a success at United, he will need the support and backing from both the fans and the board at United.
In just a few short weeks it’s clear to see the things Mourinho is getting right and these are specifically THREE things our landlord feels are the standout…..
Fear from other teams has returned
Under the two previous regimes at Old Trafford, Manchester United had lost their feel of invincibility – something which Mourinho has swiftly returned to the club.
For many years you could never rule Manchester United out of obtaining a result in a match whatever the score.
With both Moyes and Van Gaal in charge, United teams were often embarrassed at home by teams fighting relegation.
Now under Mourinho, the fear factor is back when teams come up against Manchester United and the majority of that can be down to the Mourinho appointment.
Strengthen his defence
Prior to the Manchester Derby, Manchester United had not conceded a goal in the Premier League.
Chris Smalling, who was the club’s best defender last season, has been dropped under Jose Mourinho and replaced with Daley Blind.
With Blind and Bailly at the heart of United’s defence they look a formidable force once again and have stopped leaking goals.
Their defensive woes were United’s achilles heel under Van Gaal – something Mourinho has cut out much to the joy of our regulars here at the Tavern.
Influx of leadership
Far too many times under Louis van Gaal, United had no leadership to assist in grinding out results.
Instead, young players like Anthony Martial were asked to grab games by the scruff of the neck.
The ‘Special One’ has now added key personalities to his United side such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, who have proved a success already.
Prior to the international break United were drawing 0-0 with Hull City going into the 92nd minute.
Some brilliant footwork from Wayne Rooney allowed a tap-in for Marcus Rashford to give all three points to United.
Previously, this may not have happened as the bigger characters in the squad would have gone missing. Something that is not allowed under Mourinho.
