SHORT BACK AND SNIDES
It’s 57 days since United won at home and truculent Jose is giving the impression of a man who knows his time is up
When reminded that he had enjoyed success in the past, he sarcastically replied: “Did I? Do you think so?
JOSE MOURINHO arrived for his early-morning press conference with his hair newly-shorn and, as it transpired, his mood even shorter.
Mourinho called his media briefing for 8am, but there were no early-morning pleasantries from the underpressure Manchester United boss, as his terse demeanour laid bare the pressure he is under.
In just eight minutes and 29 seconds, Mourinho was at his most taciturn and surly, providing monosyllabic answers and refusing to address the reasons for United’s slump, which stands at four games without a win.
If Mourinho was looking to project an image of confidence and unity ahead of today’s must-win game at home to Newcastle, he failed to do so, his truculent nature only adding to the perception of a manager who knows he is on the brink.
United have not won at home since the 2-1 opening day of the season victory over Leicester, on August 10, since when they have lost to Spurs, been beaten on penalties by Championship side
Derby and been held by Wolves and Valencia.
Having presided over a £400million- plus spend during a little over two years in charge, United fans are entitled to expect more from Mourinho and his players, than languishing in 10th place in the Premier League, already nine points behind champions and local rivals Manchester City, who top the table.
Mourinho has tried everything within his powers to turn the situation around at United, including publicly calling-out players over a lack of form and commitment, as well as dropping high-profile names, but none of that has worked, which is why the 55-year-old finds himself staring down the barrel.
The self-titled Special One still feels his past success at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, as well as winning two trophies in his debut season at United, should insure him against criticism over his current travails.
“Did I? Do you think so?” was his sarcastic response when he was reminded, in the context of a question about his current plight, he had enjoyed success in the past, the clear inference being those criticising him are quick to forget his past triumphs.
But this is about the here and now, and while City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal occupy the top five places, United look spent under Mourinho, mired in mid-table, beset by infighting, with a boss whose previously successful methods seem past their sell-by date.
“This team can do much better than what it is doing and the team will do much better than what it is doing,” admitted Mourinho.
“I think we have enough potential to do better than what we are doing in the Premier League.
“We’re better than this and, because of this, our situation is going to improve. I have no doubts about that.
“We’re in a position where we can do much better and to do that we need points, points we lost, especially in the last two Premier League matches – with one out of six. And we know to improve that position we need to win these three points.”
Whether Mourinho will be given the time to oversee the improvement he has predicted remains to be seen. Failure to beat Newcastle – without a win and with just two points all season – will be the final straw for the United hierarchy, many of whom have lost
faith in him.