Is Mourinho Being Outdated?

Since his Premier League title victory with Chelsea in 2015, ‘the special one’ has lost his touch in the eye of many across the media and football world. Stepping into Manchester United looked like Redemption, but so far it's been unspectacular but largely less miserable than his torrid time in his final season at Stamford Bridge. Humiliation at his old home was enough for him to apologise to his fans, but with his side now 8 points off top, does he need a bit more than “sorry” to please the United faithful? I think so.

Since his triumph with Porto in the 2004 Champions League, the success continued for Mourinho from Chelsea, to Inter, then a decent spell at Real Madrid, but never complete in terms of a trophy haul. The days of record breaking and scoring goals for fun seemed to have halted in the last year or so but with the money being ploughed into the club and with revenue to continue the spending, surely he can't get it wrong. Surely?

It started well for him. Victories away at Bournemouth and Hull and at home against Southampton saw them record an early nine points. But the noisy neighbours have humbled them and the fact they're in a lowly eighth in the league now, shows how off the pace they are in comparison to the top five so far.

His side at Chelsea in his first campaign was glittering with talent, with Lampard, Drogba, Cech, and Terry, covering the spine in what went on to be the most successful side in Premier League history when they broke the points record by claiming 95 points. This Manchester United team is not up to the standard of that of the blues in 2004-05, with a midfield of Fellaini, Herrera, Pogba, or Schneiderlain, it doesn't quite compare to Lampard and Makalele. Pogba has scored once this season in the Premier League, Frank Lampard scored 13 in that season.

His tactics have been criticised for being negative in recent years, with many making comments about parking the bus. Some making fun of him on social media with a plethora a busses being tossed about to show his lack of bravery of simply safe methods. His bullish way of playing had been evident in recent years with Nemanja Matic being the anchor at Chelsea and now Fellaini playing a role that used to be filled with the talent of Paul Scholes. His style of play has worked once you go 1-0 up in a game but when you don't it can be costly. He parked his bus at Liverpool and at times had a back six to fend off any pressure, it worked. But when he faced Chelsea, it was over in 30 seconds.

Whether he needs that bravery or if he needs the correct players is the debate. But how long will it be before he gets it right again. United fans have been begging for success since Moyes was a failure and they haven't finished in the top three since Fergie departed. They have talent, they have Ibrahimovic who is a presence and massively experienced player. They also have the world record signing in Pogba, who many believe is overrated. What the club needs is to give Jose the next year to sort his squad out then we will see, but maybe he needed another season to evaluate his methods before jumping into the biggest job out there.

Does he want complete players? Does he want flair? Does he want youth? Manchester City have a style now, as do Spurs, as do Liverpool and Arsenal look a threat again. It all comes down to how they will play but Mourinho needs to decide if he creates his own way again, but he doesn't have long. The fans expected to challenge for the title, how will they react if they don't even get top four? He has a lot of pressure to deal with that's for sure.