We might only be three games into the new season, but Manchester United are already in crisis mode.
After a tumultuous preseason and a lack of activity in the transfer market, it looked like Manchester United would be in for a tough season ahead. And defeats against Brighton and Tottenham mean that United’s campaign is already in danger of turning into a disaster.
While the Red Devils played well against Tottenham and dominated proceedings for large parts of the game, the result was damaging and its difficult to see where United go from here. Already six points behind the top four, Jose Mourinho faces a critical week ahead of his side’s game against Burnley on Sunday.
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But with players underperforming and the pressure on him increasing every day, it remains to be seen if he can dig United out of this giant mess. While Ed Woodward is not a sack happy chairman, his refusal to back his manager in the transfer market was a signal that Mourinho could be on his way out sooner rather than later. But even if the former Chelsea manager is let go, it is difficult to see who will guide United out of this mess.
So who is to blame?
No one is blameless here. From Ed Woodward to Jose Mourinho to the players, every one is at fault for United’s precarious situation. Mourinho hasn’t helped himself at times with his comments, man management and tactics. But he deserved more help from Ed Woodward in the transfer market. United’s current squad is a mixture of four managers’ signings and many of the players are simply not good enough to play for the club.
That being said, the likes of Pogba, Lukaku and Sanchez badly let United down against Spurs with their lackluster displays. Mourinho cannot be blamed for the easy chances missed by his strikers or the brainless mistakes made by his defenders. He set the team up to attack and dominate and it was working just fine till Tottenham took a surprise lead early in the second half.
Then Manchester United folded like a cheap suitcase and fell to a surprise 3-0 defeat against a team they had dominated for large parts of the game. United are seriously bereft of leaders in their current squad and most players seem to be happy to collect their paychecks after putting in minimal effort. No wonder Mourinho wanted to sign the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Diego Godin and Mario Mandzukic this summer.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold at Old Trafford, but its difficult to deny that United are enduring a crisis at the moment. And it could soon turn into a full blown catastrophe unless those involved can find a solution.