Manchester United preview: Sour Mourinho heading for another third season meltdown?
Jose Mourinho’s demeanour during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the US has been startling, yet not entirely surprising. The 55-year-old has entered his third season in charge of United and we all know what normally happens next. The signs of another meltdown are already clear to see and now the feeling is it’s a matter of when and not if the Portuguese will lose the plot completely. Unhappy with the club’s dealings in the transfer window, all is not well at Old Trafford.
One to watch - Eric Bailly
After making an impressive start to life at Manchester United, Eric Bailly's time at the club has become more and more peculiar. A couple of lengthy spells on the sidelines has seemingly pushed Jose Mourinho's first signing as United boss down the pecking order and there were even suggestions he could leave over the summer. Something doesn't appear right between Bailly and Mourinho, but it would be incredible if the 24-year-old does not emerge as first choice for the upcoming campaign. He is easily United's best defender from their current options, streaks ahead of the likes of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling in terms of quality.
Best signing - Fred
Linked with a January move to Manchester City, Fred ended up joining the red half of Manchester instead six months later. The Brazil international, who cost around £52m, has been signed to help bridge the gap from midfield and attack. United struggled in that department last season, too heavily reliant on Paul Pogba, and the hope is that Fred’s arrival will allow the Frenchman the space to truly flourish for United. Fred’s pre-season appearances have admittedly been limited, but the early signs are at least positive.
It's official: Fred's a Red! #BemVindoFred #MUFC pic.twitter.com/KL6S4x5Liw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 21, 2018
Area of Weakness
United aren’t finished in the transfer market just yet, but they do not appear entirely close to landing any of their main targets. Mourinho has reduced his demands from two signings to one and it’s imperative they solve their problems at the back. Mourinho is desperate to sign another centre-back and it now seems a straight shootout between Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld and Barcelona outcast Yerry Mina. Signing the former would be a huge step in the right direction for United, whereas Mina would only add further mayhem and unpredictability to United’s current options.
Prediction / Best Bet
Given the tantrums Mourinho has thrown during pre-season, it’s difficult to imagine him still being United manager this time next year. After signing a new contract earlier this year, Mourinho is in a strong position: back me or sack me (at the cost of millions). Mourinho is not unfamiliar to a third season meltdown and it would be no surprise if another occurred this term. With that in mind, you can get odds of 2.5 with Ladbrokes for United not to finish in the top four this season.
