Manchester United have parted ways with Jose Mourinho following what has been a disappointing start to the 2018/19 season. This comes on the back of their embarrassing 3-1 weekend defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool. A timid United mastered just six attempts to the league leaders' 36 which was one of the stats that highlighted the gulf between this two sides.
The Old Trafford side are currently sixth on the table, after registering 26 points from 17 games, their lowest tally at this point of a campaign since the 1990/91 season. The Red Devils have already tasted defeat five times so far and sit 19 points off Klopp's side who top the table. United are also 11 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea who occupy the last of the Champions League qualification places.
This comes off a summer in which the Portuguese manager threw tantrums over perceived lack of transfer activity. Mourinho was furious that he unable to persuade the club's hierarchy to make a number of signings that he felt were vital to strengthen his side heading into the new campaign. His desire to acquire a new centre-back in the summer was an open secret.
Man Utd who also lost their last Champions League group game against Valencia prior to the humiliation in Liverpool are set to meet French moneybags PSG in the round of 16. However, it seems that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward who has been criticized by fans in the past for failing to back Jose in the transfer market has decided to call time on the Portuguese's reign at United.
A statement released by the club read;
"Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect," a statement read.
"The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.
"A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager."
The 55-year-old took over the Old Trafford hotseat from Louis van Gaal back in the summer of 2016. Jose was tasked with leading United back to Premier League glory with the Manchester giants struggling in the post Sir Alex era. Mourinho helped the 20-time English to Community Shield, Carabao and Europa League cup glory during his time at the helm.
United struggled in the league although he did guide United to a distant second finish in the Premier League last season behind record-breaking Manchester City. City are managed another of Mourinho's rival, from their time in Spain, Pep Guardiola. There had been hope that the ex-Madrid manager would be able to build on last season and even put pen to paper on a new bumper contract January this year. However, that was not to happen with the Portuguese losing his dressing room most notably big money signing and World Cup winner Paul Pogba. His charges had only won two of their last eight matches across all competitions.
The third season curse that has plagued the Portuguese through out his managerial career continues.
Comments