The appointment of Jose Mourinho as the manager of Manchester United in 2016 sent shockwaves through the football world. The charismatic and controversial Portuguese coach, known for his success at various European clubs, had arrived at one of the biggest and most historic clubs in the sport. The United faithful were eager to see if Mourinho could bring back the glory days, and the football community was intrigued by the potential of this ambitious project.
In this retrospective analysis, we delve into Mourinho's Manchester United era, examining his impact, achievements, and the lasting legacy he left at the club. We'll explore the highs, the lows, and the key moments that defined this tumultuous period in the club's history. From the initial excitement and promise to the eventual departure, we aim to provide an in-depth and unbiased review of Mourinho's time at the helm of the Red Devils.
The Arrival: A Marriage of Convenience
When Mourinho was unveiled as the new Manchester United manager, it was a union that seemed to make perfect sense. The club, after a disappointing post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, was in need of a manager who could instill a winning mentality and bring back the glory days. Mourinho, with his reputation as a serial winner, was the ideal candidate to achieve these goals.
Mourinho's arrival was met with widespread enthusiasm. His reputation preceded him, having won major trophies with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager had a proven track record of success, and his pragmatic and results-oriented approach to the game was seen as a perfect fit for the club's traditions.
The initial transfer window saw Mourinho bring in some of his trusted lieutenants, with the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a new dimension to the United attack. The club also secured the services of Eric Bailly, a young and talented defender, and Paul Pogba, in a world-record transfer, returned to Old Trafford under Mourinho's watch.
Early Success and the EFL Cup Triumph
Mourinho’s first season at the club got off to a flying start. United began the 2016⁄17 season with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, with Ibrahimović scoring a brace on his debut. The team’s early form was impressive, and they quickly established themselves as title contenders.
The highlight of the season came in February 2017 when Manchester United lifted the EFL Cup, defeating Southampton 3-2 in the final. This was Mourinho's first trophy as United manager and a significant milestone in his quest to bring silverware back to Old Trafford. The win also secured United's place in the EFL Cup final for the following season.
Despite a strong start, United's league form dipped in the second half of the season, and they ultimately finished sixth in the Premier League. However, the club's success in the Europa League provided a silver lining. United went on to win the competition, defeating Ajax 2-0 in the final, securing a place in the following season's UEFA Champions League.
The Consistency Conundrum
The 2017⁄18 season brought with it a new set of challenges for Mourinho and Manchester United. The club had high expectations, and the manager was under pressure to deliver consistent results and challenge for the Premier League title.
United started the season strongly, winning their first three league games. However, a string of disappointing results, including a 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City, saw the team's momentum stall. Despite the blip, United managed to finish the first half of the season in second place, just behind Manchester City.
The consistency issues continued into the second half of the season. United's form was erratic, with a series of underwhelming performances and disappointing results. The team's style of play also came under scrutiny, with critics questioning Mourinho's tactics and the lack of fluidity in the United attack.
FA Cup Glory and the Top-Four Finish
Despite the ups and downs in the league, Manchester United found success in the FA Cup. The club reached the final, where they faced Chelsea. In a hard-fought match, United emerged victorious, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Paul Pogba. This triumph secured Mourinho’s second major trophy with the club and a place in the following season’s Europa League.
United's league form improved towards the end of the season, and they managed to secure a top-four finish, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. However, the season was a mixed bag, with the team's inconsistent performances leaving a sour taste in the mouths of the fans and the club's hierarchy.
The Final Chapter: A Turbulent Season
The 2018⁄19 season marked the beginning of the end for Mourinho’s Manchester United era. The team’s pre-season preparations were marred by transfer sagas and off-field controversies, setting the tone for a turbulent campaign.
United started the season with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, a result that set the tone for the challenges ahead. The team's form was inconsistent, and Mourinho's relationship with the players and the club's hierarchy began to fray. The manager's public criticisms of the club's transfer policy and his treatment of certain players further fueled the speculation surrounding his future.
The Champions League Exit and League Cup Exit
The season’s major disappointment came in the UEFA Champions League. United, despite topping their group, were eliminated in the round of 16 by French side Paris Saint-Germain. The 2-0 defeat in the first leg, followed by a 1-3 loss at home, signaled the end of United’s European campaign.
The League Cup also proved to be a disappointment. United were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Derby County, a team from the English Championship. The 2-4 defeat was a low point in Mourinho's final season at the club.
Despite the setbacks, United managed to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, but their hopes of retaining the trophy were dashed by a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Final Straw and Mourinho’s Departure
The final straw for Mourinho’s tenure came in December 2018. United’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, coupled with the team’s lackluster performances and growing unrest within the squad, led to the club’s decision to part ways with the manager.
Mourinho's departure was announced on December 18, 2018, bringing an end to a tumultuous and often controversial chapter in Manchester United's history. The Portuguese manager had achieved some success during his time at the club, but the overall impact of his tenure was seen as underwhelming, and the club sought a fresh start with a new manager.
Legacy and Impact
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United era will be remembered for its highs and lows. The manager brought two major trophies to the club, the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, and guided United to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
However, the overall impact of Mourinho's tenure is somewhat mixed. The team's inconsistent performances, the manager's public spats with players and the club's hierarchy, and the lack of a clear, cohesive playing style left a sour taste. Mourinho's departure was a relief for many, as the club looked to move on and rebuild.
The Post-Mourinho Era
Following Mourinho’s exit, Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the interim manager. The Norwegian legend, known for his goal-scoring exploits during his playing days at the club, brought a new energy and a more attacking style of play. United’s form improved under Solskjær, and he was eventually given the job on a permanent basis.
Solskjær's appointment marked a new era for Manchester United, one that aimed to bring back the club's attacking traditions and rebuild the team's reputation. The post-Mourinho era has seen United undergo a transformation, with a new crop of talented players and a more positive playing style.
Conclusion
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United era was a fascinating, often tumultuous chapter in the club’s history. The manager’s impact was significant, but ultimately, it fell short of the club’s expectations. The legacy of Mourinho’s tenure is one of mixed emotions, with a sense of what could have been and a desire to move on and rebuild.
As Manchester United look to the future, the club can reflect on the lessons learned from Mourinho's time at the helm. The experience has shaped the club's approach and laid the foundation for a new era, one that aims to bring back the glory days and restore Manchester United to the pinnacle of European football.
What were Jose Mourinho’s major achievements at Manchester United?
+Mourinho won two major trophies during his time at Manchester United: the EFL Cup in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018. He also guided the team to a top-four finish in the Premier League during the 2017⁄18 season, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League.
Why did Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United end?
+Mourinho’s departure was a result of a combination of factors, including inconsistent performances, public disagreements with players and the club’s hierarchy, and a lack of a clear playing style. The final straw was a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in December 2018, which led to the club’s decision to part ways with the manager.
What was Mourinho’s legacy at Manchester United?
+Mourinho’s legacy is one of mixed emotions. While he brought some success to the club, including two major trophies, his tenure was also marked by inconsistent performances and public controversies. The club’s decision to move on from Mourinho signaled a desire to rebuild and restore Manchester United’s reputation.
