Changes in backroom allow Jose to freshen up outlook
JOSE Mourinho’s summer of upheaval points to more than just a change of personnel at United – but a change of philosophy too.
Mourinho knows this transfer window will be critical to his legacy at Old Trafford and his hopes of delivering the Premier League title.
Having told executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward, to emulate City’s spending, he has already secured his first two recruits of the summer in Fred and Diogo Dalot.
There will be more arrivals, too, with Mourinho targeting a centreback, a left-back, another midfielder and a forward before the window shuts.
His backroom staff is also being overhauled following the departure of long-time assistant and confidant, Rui Faria, at the end of the season.
Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna and Stefano Rapetti are taking up coaching roles.
Such significant movement could bring about a change of playing style supporters have been yearning for.
It’s notable Mourinho identified the need to Brazilian flair to his squad.
Fred may be a holding midfielder – but he is a dynamic one, capable of playing further up the pitch and unlocking defences with his passing.
He is not the type of anchor, who will sit back and rarely venture beyond the centre circle.
That Mourinho also covets Juventus’ Brazilian leftback, Alex Sandro, is another promising sign for fans.
As, too, his interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – a goal-scoring midfielder – and, of course, Gareth Bale.
Mourinho is never going to be the type to completely throw caution to the wind but he is trying to inject energy, creativity and goals into his team. The acquisition of Fred – and another midfielder in the has add guise of Milinkovic-Savic or Marco Verratti – is designed to give United more control in the centre of the pitch with players who are totally comfortable in possession. It suggests Mourinho will be more comfortable allowing his players to dominate with the ball, rather than control the opposition without it. It will be fascinating to see how open to new ideas Mourinho is from his new coaches. The fact that he has so many new faces into his backroom team is again an acknowledgement that differing points of view are required. Carrick, McKenna and Rapetti will be in positions of influence. Sir Alex Ferguson enabled himself to remain fresh and relevant by frequently shaking up his inner circle. Faria’s departure has given Mourinho the chance to do likewise. James Robson