The Outdated Mourinho and the Arrival of Solskjaer
After a terrible defeat suffered against Jurgen Klopp’s boys, on Sunday, the Manchester United’s Manager, Jose Mourinho, has been sacked by the management of Manchester United on Tuesday. Mourinho’s sack is not surprising to many, as the performance of his side has been deteriorating and disappointing for weeks now.
The Portuguese has been under intense criticism recently for his style of play in the club. There is an outrage and vituperation about his football philosophy as many believe the defensive style of football is outdated and primitive. Many opine that his football pattern should be like his colleagues in the English league. The “gegenpressing”, heavy metal attacking football style of Jurgen Klopp’s side has been compared to the defensive football style of Mourinho several times.
Mourinho’s Achievements at Old Trafford
At Manchester United, Mourinho won UEFA Europa League trophy against Ajax in the first season in charge. He also clinched Carabao Cup, otherwise known as English Football League trophy, and Community Shield all in his first season in charge in the club. In the second season, he reached the FA Cup Final, though beaten by his former club, Chelsea.
But the management of Manchester United is not happy with the silverware, even despite Mourinho winning many trophies in two and a half years at Manchester United than all what Liverpool FC have won in a decade.
Lack of Acknowledgement by Players
Contrary to the insinuations by the media that no Manchester United Player has recognized the tremendous role of Mourinho at Old Trafford, the Ivorian Centre-back, Eric Baily took to his Twitter account to pour encomium on his former boss. “Whatever they may say, I will always be thankful to the person who gave me the chance to make my debut at Old Trafford. Thank you for what you have taught me. Good luck, coach,” Eric Baily wrote.
The Manchester United’s starlet, Santi Gomez, also commented about Mourinho’s departure, he also wrote on Twitter, “You allowed me to make my debut at 16 and play in front of the Stretford end something I will never forget ever. Thank you boss”
Jose Mourinho has, therefore, responded to his sack: “I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all United supporters recognize this. Just as was the case with my previous clubs, I have worked with some wonderful people and I believe that some will be friends for life,” Mourinho responded.
The New Replacement
Meanwhile, after the sack of Jose Mourinho as United’s Manager, the Board has appointed a former Manchester United’s player, Ole Gunner Solskjaer, as the Interim Football Manager till the end of the 2018/2019 season. Ole Gunner Solskjaer is a former player of the club, played as forward under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. “The Baby-faced Assassin, as he is fondly called, played a pivotal role in Manchester United winning the treble in 1998/1999 season as he scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final.
He has been appointed alongside Mike Phelan, as Assistant Manager with Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick as Coach of the Club. Ole Gunner’s first five games as Manchester United boss are against Cardiff City, on Sunday, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Reading. He will prove his mettle in the next five games.
There are reports going round in Manchester that Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham Hotspur, is in consideration for the position of Manchester United helmsman. It is believed that the Argentine has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson for the managerial job. If Solskjaer wins a silverware in the six months in charge at Manchester United, will Manchester United stick with Ole Gunner or still go on to sign Pochettino as Manchester United? That is the question on the lips of most football enthusiasts. Unfolding events will provide an answer.