MANCHESTER - Jose Mourinho is currently under pressure. The Special One has the potential to become unemployed if it fails to improve the achievements of Manchester United (MU) as soon as possible.
Especially with the emergence of a number of replacement candidates. Mourinho was officially appointed as MU coach on 27 May 2016 replacing Louis van Gaal. According to the employment contract, the architect from Portugal will actually be on duty until 30 June 2020.
However, there is a possibility he must leave Old Trafford faster. The scenario arises due to the downturn experienced by MU at this time. Paul Pogba's performance in the Premier League throughout the 2018/2019 season was very unsatisfactory and consistent. The new Red Devils recorded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 4 lost from the 12 matches that were undertaken.
MU had been considered stretched because it was able to record three consecutive wins in all competitions. But, it only lasted a moment because when the Manchester derby against Manchester City (Man City), the Red Devils were defeated 1-3.
As a result of the humiliating defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester United had dropped to eighth in the Premier League standings with 20 points. It was MU's worst position in domestic competition for the past five seasons. But, the worst impact is the depletion of opportunities to dominate England because 12 points adrift of Man City.
Never mind winning the title, MU even threatened not to enter the top four at the end of the season. Because, the distance with rivals in fourth reached seven points. "The way people who don't understand soccer when doing analysis only refers to statistics. But, I don't just see statistics. I only refer to what I feel during the match and wait until the 80th minute, "Mourinho said, reported by Skysport.
Conditions that make Mourinho's position in danger. Some observers say the fate of the former Real Madrid captain is on the brink. He is believed to be fired if Manchester United cannot achieve anything this season. The potential is even greater because MU is reported to have a prey target, namely Mauricio Pochettino.
Some club officials are said to admire the Argentine coach for being able to raise the big name of Tottenham Hotspur. Pochettino was able to bring the Spurs to fourth with a record of nine wins and three defeats. Not only the current edition, for the past few seasons, he also managed to record quite good achievements with The Lilywhites.
The 46-year-old former center-back has just signed a new contract with Spurs last summer. But, that does not mean MU can not bring him to Old Trafford. MU even ready to compete with Madrid who participated in the interest. Los Blancos has actually given Santiago Solari a two-season official contract to replace Julen Lopetegui. But, Solari admitted he didn't mind if Madrid wanted to recruit Pochettino.
There is one obstacle facing Manchester United if later decides to fire Mourinho, which must pay compensation of 15 million pounds. But, the risk is believed to be ready to be taken for the future of MU. The only way for Mourinho to save his career, which is to at least be able to help Manchester United win the Champions League ticket next season.
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