IT’S END OF THE ROAD

Rug pulled out from under the ‘Special One’

Timeline of the significant low points this year which led to United dismissing Mourinho:

May 19 – United lose FA Cup final 1-0 to Chelsea, ending the season without a trophy for the first time in three years.

August 19 – Defeat in the second game of new Premier League season 3-2 to Brighton.

August 27 – Mourinho sees his side lose 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, the biggest home defeat of his career. Complains about ‘respect’ to media after the game.

September 22 – Midfielder Paul Pogba says United should attack more at home after disappointing 1-1 draw with Wolves. Mourinho strips Frenchman of vice-captaincy in growing rift.

September 25 – United dumped out of the League Cup at home by second-tier Derby County on penalties.

September 29 – 3-1 defeat in the league by West Ham United means United suffer their worst start to a new season in 29 years.

October 8 – Investigated by FA after allegedly swearing in Portuguese to camera after 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United.

November 11 – Comprehensively outplayed and beaten 3-1 by champions Manchester City away.

December 16 – Another 3-1 defeat, this time by fierce rivals Liverpool which leaves United 19 points behind their league leading rivals.

December 18 – Mourinho sacked with the club sixth in the Premier League.