Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SANCHEZ FURY AFTER LATEST HUMILIATION
Zidane suddenly looks like the perfect fit at Old Trafford
doing enough defensive work – an explanation similar to the one Mourinho gave for dropping Eden Hazard at Chelsea.
We know all about that viral video last week which brought to the surface the simmering tensions between Mourinho and Paul
Pogba. To cap a terrible week, Pogba too was hooked as the going got tough. Mourinho also replaced centreback Victor Lindelof and kept rookie midfielder Scott Mctominay (left, bottom) on the pitch – at centre-half.
Alexis Sanchez must surely be wishing he had opted for sexy football at City rather than the cash at United.
The Chilean started the day out of the squad after suggesting on Instagram the night before that he was bang up for it.
A sublime piece of skill from Marcus Rashford at least gave United a chance of getting something at the London Stadium but even the England striker is known to be frustrated at his lack of starts.
After Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Derby, Mourinho publicly criticised Phil Jones and Eric Bailly. In July he lashed out at the club’s pre-season preparations. The following month he nailed Ed Woodward for blocking his attempts to sign more defenders. How many fights does he want?
How many more noses will he push out of joint?
Mourinho may have a glittering CV but Zidane inspires players and has the Spanish title along with the last three Champions Leagues under his belt. A France World Cup hero, he will have the respect of the French contingent at Old Trafford. He is a free agent and is learning English. What’s not to like?
Explaining his decision to strip Pogba of the vicecaptaincy, Mourinho said no one is bigger than Manchester United.
It may now be the case that the owners pull the trigger on him for exactly the same reason.