Manchester United’s loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarterfinal has left them with only a single trophy to fight for, Europa League. N’Golo Kante scored the only goal of the match as Chelsea did a double over United this season. Ander Herrera got the marching orders from the referee for a foul on Eden Hazard and United had to play the remaining match with ten men.
Things have worked out for Jose Mourinho but in patches. The Portuguese might have won the EFL Cup but that doesn’t stamp his authority at Old Trafford. ‘The Special One’ needs to replicate his ruthless form to show the world that he is not finished yet. Despite winning the FA Cup, United showed the door to Louis Van Gaal but Mourinho has the confidence of the United hierarchy.
Mourinho has made it clear that Europa League is one of his major concerns and he would definitely try to do his best in the tournament. They played a 1-1 draw with Rostov and will have the chance to make it to the next round when they will face the Russian team at Old Trafford.
The defeat at the hand of Chelsea has alarmed Mourinho and he needs to do these following things to bring about an upturn in United’s season.
Involve Mkhitaryan, Martial and Rashford more in the game
The Armenian hasn’t been utilised as predominantly as he should have been. His pace and skill and the knack of finding space would have been a great addition had he been used more often by Mourinho. Juan Mata has been one of the best-attacking midfielders but he lacks the pace. Mkhitaryan is an ideal no. 10 for Mourinho as he offers the necessary edge that United have been lacking.
Anthony Martial has mainly played on the left side for Mourinho this season. Despite being a proper centre-forward, the French teenager has done pretty well. Mourinho should give him more chances as he fits in that position exceptionally well.
Rashford started in his usual centre forward position against Chelsea and had a gilt-edged chance to restore parity but he missed. With Wayne Rooney’s future hanging in the balance, the youngster could take his position if the 31-year-old does leave.
Give Paul Pogba More Freedom
The French midfielder has a price tag of £89.3m but till now he hasn’t done anything eye catching. The 23-year-old lost the possession a number of times against Chelsea in the middle of the park. The youngster has the potential to be one of the top midfielders but for that, he needs the help of another defensive minded player alongside him. At Juventus, it was Andrea Pirlo who controlled the midfield alongside him so that Pogba could do his bit. Mourinho has to use Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera on a regular basis alongside him to get the best out of the midfielder.
Focus On Europa League
With top four looking seemingly impossible, Mourinho needs to concentrate on the Europa League. The Red Devils have a good chance to make it to the next round when they will host Rostov in the second leg. With top four looking bleak, Mourinho needs to guarantee European football next season by taking an alternative way through the Europa League.
