It’s been far from sunshine and rainbows at Old Trafford this season. Jose Mourinho’s men have been perhaps the most disappointing team in the Premier League this season, especially when you consider the progress that was made last season.
A number of factors are contributing to their struggles, but the important thing for the Red Devils is that they overcome each and every one of them.
They’ve been poor so far this season, and eventually, they’re going to get to a stage in which they’re no longer able to recover.
October, then, may well be the most important month of Jose Mourinho’s tenure so far. But what does he need to happen in order for it to go down as a good month?
Paul Pogba Decides
The Paul Pogba situation is getting out of hand. The Frenchman clearly is frustrated at life under Jose Mourinho at Man Utd, and sooner or later, it’s going to come to a head.
Now, make no mistake, it would be a disaster for the Red Devils to lose Pogba. The Frenchman is one of Europe’s best midfielders, not to mention his value as a marketing asset.
However, at the same time, the negative atmosphere that is currently emanating from Old Trafford has a lot to do with the Frenchman - and that is problematic.
A player’s value in a team is not just measured by the impact they have on the field, but the one they have off of it too. At present, Pogba’s influence is overwhelmingly negative.
Jose Mourinho Cools Down
At the same time, Jose Mourinho himself has been a part of the problem. Much has been made of the so-called ‘third season syndrome’, but it’s certainly ringing true this term.
The Portuguese is struggling to keep a lid on his frustrations, and it’s starting to have a seriously negative impact on Man Utd’s fortunes.
He really needs to stop being so negative at this point, because it’s clear from the outside that it’s having seriously having an effect on his players.
In October, then, perhaps Mourinho could try a more relaxed and calmer approach.
Title Charge Begins
Everyone expected Man Utd to challenge for the title this season, but so far they’ve come up short. In truth, the likes of Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea all look some way ahead of the Red Devils - and that’s a problem
The season may be young, but Man Utd can’t afford another month like September. They need to pick up results, as otherwise even the likes of Arsenal and Spurs will leave them behind.
It’s never too soon to start a title charge - but it can be too late. For Man Utd, the bus is already at the station, and they’re already in danger of letting it leave.