3. Fringe players look rejuvenated under Mourinho
Manchester United players who looked set to leave the club have looked revitalized this season. Players like Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini have played a key part in Manchester United’s return to form this season.
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The quartet were often criticized for their performances last season. And it was rumored that Mourinho would sell these players after taking charge. But they have become a key part of Mourinho’s team this season. Antonio Valencia has been very impressive this season and Jose Mourinho called him “the best right-back in the world” last week.
Similarly Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have been performing well beyond expectations this season. They have kept the likes of Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Christian Benteke at bay in recent games and are proving to be United’s unlikely heroes at the back.
It’s all down to Jose Mourinho who has honed some of the finest defenders in the world at his clubs. He has turned Jones and Rojo into bullies, and has made sure that United’s defense is not as reliant on David de Gea as they were for the last three seasons.
Marouane Fellaini who was booed by the United supporters after giving away a late penalty against Everton in November has also reaped the rewards of Mourinho’s support. Since then Fellaini has impressed for United. The towering midfielder has also scored two crucial goals in the cup matches and proved to be key recently.