Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern today are discussing the future of Jose Mourinho at the club.
Mourinho has come under some immense pressure of late with the Red Devils having a little rocky patch in the league. Many of the regulars argue that even though the football isn’t great to watch, there has been improvement and progression under the Portuguese coach.
United, after Sir Alex, had a dreadful season with David Moyes in charge, followed by the mind-numbing experience of Louis Van Gaal, however, he did bring home the FA Cup trophy in his final game.
Much was made when Mourinho came to the club and expectations naturally rose, since then United finished 6th in the league last year albeit qualifying for the Champions League through winning the Europa League and handing the Reds in the bar a League Cup win for the first time since 2010.
With that in mind, our landlord feels that Mourinho has to finish this season off with a bang and get the supporters back onside. To do that, winning these TWO matches will help…
Sevilla (A) – 21st Feb
United need to have a good run in the Champions League this season, that much is certain. No one expects them to win it but not getting knocked out in the final 16 round will be a good place to start, especially considering Mourinho hasn’t really contested in the competition he’s so synonymous with in recent years.
United are away to Sevilla in the first leg later this month and have to come away from what will be a tricky tie with something in the locker to take back to Old Trafford. A dismal display will further frustrate the fans and the disgruntlement will no doubt rise.
Man City (A) – 7th April
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but our United fans in the pub have conceded the title to rivals City, painful as it is. With a huge gap between the two, the focus turns to below them rather than above. Gutting, but it’s time to get realistic.
However, a victory in the derby will give the United fans a little lift and maybe some momentum and belief going into next season. It feels like a long time since United truly put City to the sword in a derby and a convincing, positive win will help the pain of not getting closer to the title.
