Manchester United finally went for the quick fix solution this season, hiring Jose Mourinho and splurging on the superstars to bring the fear factor back to United. While things started off well enough for them, the early season excitement and gloss have come off and we can see a fair amount of work and repair that needs to be done. While United will surely bide their time, having invested so much on this project, there is a possibility that Jose might have to fight his own battles before he can guide United to the stage where they had gotten so used to be.
With the competition more fierce than ever, it is evident getting a couple of big name players and hoping for things to click won’t be enough. But with the money they have spent, the constant media glare and the shenanigans of the Einsteins, as Mourinho fondly calls his detractors now, won’t be going away any time now.
With 11 matches already completed, let us take a look a few strengths and weaknesses of the United team this season.
STRENGTHS
The main strength of the United team this season is their quality. Jose has spent. But he made sure he spends on quality. Bailly looked assured and solid before his injury and moving forward this will be a big plus. Pogba might not have set the Premier League alight but he has shown glimpses of his potential and it is expected that with time and a suitable midfield partner he can replicate his Juventus form.
Rashford has been another revelation and his initial displays showed that he is probably set for a big season if given the right atmosphere. And while this might not be a strength, the position United are in at this point, there is a lot of scope of improvement and the players that they boast of will ensure that the improvement comes.
WEAKNESS
Manchester United decided to take the risk of not playing the United way, which they weren’t playing anyway for the last 3 years, when they appointed Jose. But it hasn’t been easy the Jose way as well. United have looked disjointed on most occasions but have also shown glimpses of what they can come up with as well. Pogba, due to his age, still needs the perfect foil in the midfield to perform to his full capability.
Ibrahimovic has come up with the goals barring a dry run in the middle but his attitude and work ethic have been questioned with some even calling for Rashford as the striker. But the biggest problem has been Rooney’s form and the issue of accommodating him. Mourinho has dropped him and called him back but the Rooney issue is far from being sorted.
So basically, Jose’s biggest strength is the players that he possesses and his weakness is the form of those very players. He needs to stick at it and try and keep the dressing room together and not fall prey to his insecurities.
