After an incredible summer that saw Manchester United make a number of changes to their squad, Jose Mourinho the new manager of the side, lost his first game of the new season against his nemesis Pep Guardiola and that was followed by a 1-0 loss away from home to Feyenoord in the Europa League. Both losses had stark differences but the fact that the squad, with so many star names, lost back to back games has given the Manchester Untied fans a slight reality check.
The derby loss would have hurt more but the loss against their Dutch opponents will have raised a few doubts in the supporter’s minds. With not long left for their game against Watford, here are 3 questions the Red Devil fans want answers for quickly.
Is young Rashford the right understudy to Zlatan?
Though Manchester United have Anthony Martial in their ranks, the French international has been preferred in a wider role by Mourinho leaving Marcus Rashford as the only striking option to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic when needed. The youngster struggled throughout the game in Netherlands and was one of the many reasons why Manchester United could not get on to the score sheet.
He is an extraordinary player who has great scoring abilities but leading the line for Manchester United in tough games might still be beyond him. His performance in the Europa League will give Mourinho a stern warning on why his team is still a bit weak even after all the millions that were spent in the summer.
Defensive frailties now exposed?
The start of the Premier League season saw United concede just one goal in their first three games but have since conceded three in two after the international break. Though the manager ringed in the changes against Feyenoord, they looked far from competent even in the Manchester derby and there is impending fear that the quality in the United squad may not be good enough for Mourinho to build a solid platform at the back.
Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo made no real claims for their places in the starting XI which will leave Mourinho with a decision to make for the trip to Watford. The manager has looked to add to his defence in the summer but failed and that might just come back to haunt him as the season progresses.
Is Pogba playing at his best position?
Jose Mourinho pulled one a record transfer when he managed to get his hands on French international Paul Pogba this summer and has given him the duties of the midfield of the side in the league. Marouane Fellaini has been deployed alongside him in a 2-man midfield ahead of the defence and Pogba is yet to make an impact on the side.
He has already shown his class with some creative dribbling and passing but he has been a shadow of himself from Juventus. It is clear that he is not as effective in a 2-man midfield as he is when he is playing as a part of 3 and it looks Mourinho is taking too long to make a change. Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial are not easy to drop while Mkhitaryan (who is injured) and Lingard have taken the place on the right side of the attack.
This leaves the manager with little chance of a 3-man midfield and this might reduce the effectiveness of the world record signing. He is good enough to adjust to his new position but Pogba will have to be at his best every game to help United early in the season.
