Style is still the problem

THE reception for Jose Mourinho was muted as he walked along the touchline from tunnel to dugout but the first strains of support from the stands came within minutes.

It was by no means deafening, J Stand with a few lusty reprises of “Mourinho’s red and white army”.

What spoke louder was the start made by the players, who pressed hard and high, snapping into challenges like they wanted to prove a point.

United remain a club with plenty to do on that front and Mourinho has as many question marks hanging over him as any. But at least some of those players who Mourinho had criticised – Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford were restored to the starting XI last night – appeared to “care” sufficiently.

The frustration echoing around this stadium in recent weeks has been largely about style and intent from Mourinho, and there was plenty of it in the stands with Romelu Lukaku isolated up front as the first half progressed with chances thin on the ground.

But there clearly remains a will to keep things together for all that these have been turbulent days for the embattled United manager, with the Portuguese starting to resemble football’s version of Theresa May.

But where in Europe May seems destined not to please anyone, it is in Europe the United manager may just find his salvation.

The visit of Newcastle on Saturday evening will be the last piece of action before the international break, which should provide some respite.

After that the high-profile visit of Juventus on October 23 provides a target for everyone to focus on.

While United remain alive in this competition, Mourinho could be secure.

Five minutes into the second half the Stretford End felt roused to offer their verdict with echoes of “attack, attack, attack”.

The players responded on the field with a surge that ended with a Rashford shot deflected wide.

They are still listening. To who might not always be exactly clear, but they are still listening.