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Exactly our story last season.

What has to change to transform
Manchester United into Premier League title contenders?

Boring? Pragmatic? Effective? It does not matter how you want describe Jose Mourinho’s first season because he came out of a tumultuous season with United’s name engraved into the
EFL Cup, the Europa League and with Champions League qualification banked for next season – the bare minimum achieved with the bonus of two pieces of silverware.
The platform is well and truly set for the Special One to work his magic for a title-winning second season - but what needs to change for Mourinho to deliver the 21st league title to Old Trafford?

Clinical edge

One of the biggest factors to United finishing an underwhelming sixth place was their wasteful finishing in front of goal. The statistics make all of the Old Trafford faithful breathe a collective sigh of frustration. The Red Devils managed to score fewer league goals (54) than ninth placed Bournemouth (55), a damning reflection of the substandard goal tally from an exciting attack which on paper promised so much.

The issue however was not with the creativity. United created more chances (425) than champions Chelsea (367) but unfortunately for supporters they only converted 12.9% of their chances - 17th best conversion rate in the league – an astonishing display of wastefulness. Even talismanic top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who bagged 28 goals, was guilty of missing gilt-edged opportunities in games that only needed a goal to seal the win, he missed 17 clear cut chances, more than any other Premier League player.
This has to be rectified for any potential title challenge. After Ibrahimovic, United’s second top scorer was Juan Mata with 6, indicative that the midfielders and wingers really need to up their goal tallies and ease the burden of any main striker. Spurs’ trio of Eriksen, Alli and Son contributed 40 goals and Chelsea’s three of Hazard, Pedro and Willian 35 goals; a goal-laden attack in addition to a prolific striker (Harry Kane and Diego Costa) is fundamental to any title success.
As M.E.N have reported, Mourinho is in search for a prolific striker (or two) to replace Ibrahimovic. Two striking targets linked Alvaro Morata (31.3%) and Andrea Belotti (25.7%) have fantastic conversion rates illustrating their potential to add the clinical dimension to a goal-shy attack. Whoever Mourinho picks must have the ruthless streak to take United to the next level.

Big game ability

Just like Chelsea’s double over Manchester City this season, champions always fashion statement wins both home and away on the way to being crowned against the top six sides - these games often decide the fate of the Premier League title.
United this season have an abysmal record in the top six head to head, accumulating a meagre nine points in 12 games. Scoring just a solitary goal in six away games is both a reflection of the players’ struggles in front of goal but also the way Mourinho tactically approached them. Mourinho often set the team up deep, pushing wingers as auxiliary full backs which frustrated the United fans throughout the season in these powerhouse clashes. Getting a point at Anfield and Etihad can be good results, but only if there are wins and intent shown in other big battles to contextualise them which did not come into fruition.

Big games are usually Mourinho’s forte, he comes into his own in these pressure cooker scenarios but the 2016-17 was an anomalous exception. Even though he was pragmatic in these encounters managing Chelsea, the set-up had never been as defensive or timid, you get the suspicion that Mourinho did not trust in the ability of the United players to be able to go toe-to- toe with swashbuckling rivals. Despite that, he produced a tactical masterclass against Chelsea, exploiting their formation with pace and man-marking, showing it still is very much in his locker. Ander Herrera won Man of the Match in several of these games, but many failed to turn up including the likes of Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan despite impressing in other games.
Whether game-changing signings can change their fortunes in these games or not, collectively the team need to hone in on their competitive instincts and realise the importance of beating rival sides.

Meanwhile, the Special One has to show the world exactly why he is still one of the best tacticians with his unique in-game management, now he has had one full season, the trust should be stronger and the ambition on the pitch should be greater.

Mentality fix

The conditional statement ‘If United beat X team, they can go ahead of Y team in the top four’ was a repetitive feature of a déjà vu season. The home games against Hull, Bournemouth and Swansea are only part of a long list of opportunities where the Red Devils had the chance to capitalise on rival failings. Yet, instead of pouncing like a cold-blooded predator, they timidly squandered every chance they were gifted which highlighted the damaging impact of three years of mediocrity post-Sir Alex Ferguson on the players’ mentality.

After accumulating 24 major trophies in four countries, Mourinho does not care about public perception. He can pragmatically close a game with a 1-0 lead with extra defenders, he will play long balls tactics, he will do anything to win trophies and make his name synonymous with success.

Installing that winning mentality in one season was a gargantuan task considering the squad was an amalgamation of four different managers, but as we saw in two successful cup finals, the potential is there for that winning streak to become prevalent again. Perhaps more signings in the ilk of Ibrahimovic are needed purely for the ruthless mentality to be present in the dressing room.

Eric Bailly leading the defence at 22, Ander Herrera’s dogged spirit, Paul Pogba’s mix of panache and toughness and Antonio Valencia’s lung-bursting commitment show that United still do have the core of a rugged, whole-hearted Mourinho title winning squad.

The Old Trafford faithful having to witness 10 home draws epitomised why there was no title challenge. However, the issue alongside the finishing in these games, was their inability to hold onto leads as we saw against Stoke and Arsenal by conceding cheap late goals. It felt as if the players were more fearful of conceding whilst a goal up, rather than being confident in scoring a second or closing the game out with assuredness.

Chelsea were sealing tight, scrappy one goal lead victories throughout the season, that true mark of champions shows that United must overcome this mental block to have any chance of league success.

Recruiting smartly this summer will be crucial to strengthen some key areas of weakness within the team which will go a long way into resolving the issues at hand and giving United title credentials. If last summer’s acquisitions perform to the levels fans know they possess alongside the new faces, we could well see a powerful, well-oiled Mourinho machine work their way to another Premier League crown.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-news-mourinho-pogba-13189653

elrony:
Hwfa...when are we signing Van Damme and his team Mate Dolph Lundgren?

Like say na Van Damme go fix our midfield problem...

Thank God he's not our coach. SMH

PietroRico:
But one aboki, watching from under a canopy thinks Herrera is trash

And he was even suggesting we should buy one Van Damme to play in our 3-man midfield as our defensive midfielder or what......

Lol.

Funlord2:
Well the president of his present club pachuca has already said they are not negotiating with city for lozano yet but that 3 European clubs have registered an interest...lozano himself has already said if he leaves pachuca he wants to only join united and that we should bid for him!


man city are not our mates so in the event of any tug of war we will definitely back hand them into oblivion if push comes to shove for lozano unless they are willing to be maggard! Our record with chicarito also helps but it seems jose no send the chap! I like dembele and his fee may be high (£35m plus) but that boy is going places...either lozano or dembele will be fine additions as regards to young hard working flair players! Dembele is 20 while lozano is 21! These are the guys who should be on £100k a week and not lingaard and Ashley young!

News have it that Dortmund already set a £79m - price tag on Dembele. Though, I don't really know how far it is true but that is the latest news.


http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/815450/Ousmane-Dembele-Borussia-Dortmund-Barcelona-Transfer-News-Rumours-Gossip

Lana1:
So in short, we need to keep pissing in Madrid's face??

This is not about "pissing" on Madrid's face. The lad is a huge talent. If Madrid is quoting over £70m pounds for Morata (who i believe should't be more than £40m) in order to fund buying Mbappe, then i believe instead of buying Morata for that amount, why not go for Mbappe.

elampiro:
We should be smart enough. We cannot continue to allow Madrid, Barca and Bayern to get the best young talents.

Exactly.

elampiro:
Then when you are ready to get him, he would become unbuyable. No amount in the world will buy him in two years if he continues to develop.

Currently, it looks like the next generation of football after Ronaldo and Messi belongs to this guy, except if his development stalls.

How much do they even want to sell Mbappe self?

The amount Madrid is quoting for Morata is just too much.

If Madrid wants to use Morata money to fund Mbappe transfer, why can't we add money to it and get the guy for our team?

Odunharry:
Modric is just a beauty to watch.

I tell you that guy na winch.

joeace2020:
You would think the way Roy Keane talks he would be the first name for these kinds of games. Sad troll pretending to love the club while he is just sad he was kicked out for his sadistic and mood killing attitude.

I don't take him serious since he left the club unceremoniously. Bitterness is always written all over his comments against the club.

Carrick's Testimonial match

Diademk07:
Learn to comprehend because all your response are just bullshite!

No one stated that Herrera made Martial and Mkhi wing backs! Is he the coach to have made them wingbaacks? The main fault is on Mourinho.

My point is with Herrera as his partner, Pogba was never allowed a free role like he did with Fellaini because the coach knows Herrera is an average DM.

So, the coach ditched the combination that'll give allow Pogba free role and freedom to perform for the one that will resttict him? Do you even read what you type before posting at all?

I'm still asking you what happen the Barcatford match where he made Pogba useless and made our midfield and defence useless?

Should I remind you that Pogba position was constantly parallel with Herrera whereas with Fellaini, Pogba was often in front of him. The wing forwards also had to drop deep to defend also. So, why make the whole team fall back to defend if we already have "this best DM" in Herrrera. Who's exactly doing the defending?

Should I also mention the fact that Herrera played on the side of Valencia who often work together with Herrera. In fact, it solidify my claim because I've hardly seen Herrera take out an opponent and win the ball all alone?

Pogba parallel with Herrera and not parallel with Fellaini.......(crap)
Who is the more defensive and the more defensive player? That's where you'll separate their duties.

Solidify ko, liquidfy ni........

eph12:
No! Neither can/should Herrera. Didn't work. Pogba best games came when they were 3 in the midfield whether Fellaini was there or not. And I don't see Fellaini's name as one of those to leave old trafford this summer. Probably because Mourinho sees how useful he is to his style?

Since Fellaini has been useless their, JM have used Herrera there in the few times we have played with two in the midfield with no fuse.

Moreso, most of the time when we use 3-man midfield, Fellaini doesn't come into the equation. What does that tell you?

And did I mention whether he'll be sold or not? Of course Mourinho sees him useful in more advanced position where we decide to go route one. No one is arguing that.

Diademk07:
Nope. Point of correction, he wasn't useless with Fellaini. In fact, his best display was with Felliani against Southampton.

And how was his performance against Watford who were just breaking into our midfield and defence anyhow? That combination turned Watford into Barca. A lowly Watford for that matter.

That the whole team had a poor match against City, a match where Felliaini was actually our best player but instead got blamed for Pogba's poor performance means jack! Prior to the match, we had plenty of good games. In fact, Fellaini allowed Pogba to express himself much more than Herrera did

You've said it all. He couldn't cover for Pogba defensively. What about against Watford? I think that was his last game with Pogba there because JM realised that he was useless playing with Pogba there.

And let me remind you that we have been playing little expansive football with Herrera in the team. We often have the whole team camped in our fuc.kking half. That's why Ibra often had to drop deep to help to initiate the attack with Pogba. That's why our wing forwards (Mkhi and Martial) had problem in the attck because they were more or less wingbacks in the setup!

Lololol! Canopy analyst....... Micki and Martial had problem because Herrera was in our team? Continue deceiving yourself.

The point is it's not like Herrera has been this defensive warlord that people make him out to be, the fact is the team defends as a whole. Come to think of it, I have hardly seen Herrera take out an opponent and win the ball all alone, I often see him in group of 2 or 3 players cornering an opponent where he eventually wins the ball after much harassment by himself and others.

He's not a defensive warlord but he has the highest number of tackles and interception in our team.

How will you see him take out an opponent and win the ball on his own when you are so much filled with hate for him?

eph12:
Erm if you observed you will know that 2 man midfield never worked for us against daring teams whether it is Pogba and whoever. And if you recollect it was the return of Carrick that brought sanity to our midfield.

My question.....

Whether 2 or 3-man midfield, can you play Fellaini in Carrick's position without Pogba's performance suffering for it?

Diademk07:
Lmao..

Smalling also won the POTY last year. It doesn't mean jack!

I would start taking him serious if he can do without Pogba getting all the attention. We played some few matches without Pogba this season and Herrera looked pathetic in all of these matches just like he did under Van gaal. Tell me what has changed?

You can't even differentiate the POTY that Smalling won last year under your canopy be cause of the double vision you are seeing abi.

Go back and do your research very well and differentiate the awards.

Can Pogba perform without a player with good defensive capabilities? Even at Juve, were his good performances without DM covering for him defensively?

In a nutshell, can pogba churn out good performances without a good defensive midfielder cover for him defensively? When Fellaini played with him early in the season, he was useless.

Diademk07:
At least, my "under canopy watch" solidified the claim that Herrera is simply rubbish without Pogba. For example vs Arsenal etc

He should thank his star that opposition see him as a clown and would rather concentrate their attention on the 89mil man unlike under Van gaal where there was no place to hide.

Your under the canopy has been seeing double vision.

Who and who started the league in the midfield? Pogba and Fellaini.

Why was Fellaini ditched and Herrera brought in?
Most of Fellaini's passes were backward passes. Fellaini didn't do enough to cover for Pogba defensively.

The same Van Gaal who turned all the players into eleven robots that must follow his docile philosophy.

I know it continues to pain you that the player you said will be sold by JM has won the club's POTY and the MOTM in the final of the Europa League. He'll continue to shame you as the in-house canopy analyst who always see double vision under the canopy.

Diademk07:
Bullshit!

Herrera was rubbish under Van gaal because he was touted as the creative midfielder which he's not! Now he's found a midfielder in Pogba who can shadow him and gets all the attention and man-marking while he waltz around doing his defensive hustling!

Who were the creative players that suffered under Van gaal? Rooney? Martial? Rashford?

I guess you were living under rock.

You were watching under the canopy.

Diademk07:
Age doesn't determine how one cares for his loved ones. My grandma is close to 100 and my father still love her like say there's no tomorrow.

Yeah, I know and that's why I said no one wishes to lose his/her loved ones but you'll always know that at an advance age one will know that there will a time when one will lose them. Unlike a losing a young person which will be more painful.

Diademk07:
Did Pogba's papa really die? He doesn't look it based on the way he kept dancing on the pitch. It's good he was able to pull through.

Though, no one wishes to lose his loved ones but the father was 79. That one na oku malu.

elampiro:
Herrera was the only one who held the ball with confidence and did meaningful thing in the first half when every forward player and midfielders were shaking. In the second half Fellaini joined him and we used the ball a bit on the right side with Valencia's support.

Herrera was the only one going for direct tackles instead of shielding players

Yeah, I saw it in your half time comments. Fellaini also tried with his physicality and I think he has really improve on his pace a bit. The guys play them like men playing boys. Experience counts a lot.

Congratulation to the fans and the players.

Man Utd is all about winning trophies, not fourphy. Mourinho has done it again. He prioritised to win it and he has done just that.

Straight to UCL next season. Next season is another season. That's three trophies this season

And to our in-house canopy analyst, Herrera won MOTM of the final.


GGMU!

eph12:
Give Arsenal $100m they will release Sanchez. That is a better option

You said we're behaving like maga and you want us to pay $100m for a player that's almost 29yrs old. How many seasons is left in him to deliver with that price?

elampiro:
Coogar used to suggest Laccazete and we all laughed at him. But the guy is still scoring. Although I don't know his price.

Bas Dost scored 34 goals in 30 league matches for Sporting, the next in Portuguese league scoref only 16 goals. His goals per minutes for Wolfsburg was not bad at all. I don’t know his price tag.

But transfer market has it this way:

Bas Dost €10m
Laccazete €30m
Griezmann €80m

We can buy both and add to Rashford. Bas Dost is more like Crouch pouncing on crosses and loose balls so he might not be very attactive. But he scores.


There are still players even in Serie A scoring over 20 goals

The same Lacazette that i read over the weekend already had agreement to join Athletico Madrid next summer. Or is it that the news is not true

Diademk07:
Lmao!

I guess Tess1 has finally abandoned Smalling.. I hardly see him defend him these days except for the alleged creative turned workhorse Herrera.. Let's see how long it last!

Abandoned who? What was the basis of my defense for him?

elampiro:
How many times did freekick beat Van Der Sar?

Without even going to search the internet, I still remember two which odunharry have mentioned one.

I know you don't like De Gea even when he was bought, so i'm not surprised about this your latest criticism of him.

Odunharry:
Nakumura Comes to mind.

Nakamura of Celtic. Yes, that is one of it. That Nakamura's free kick was even far like I think almost 30yrds outside. Though I'm not so sure about how far but it beats Van der sar hands down. But that didn't make him a bad goal keeper.

A good free kick taker can score against any goalie on his good day.

elampiro:
This young keeper could save this ball, the kind that beat DeGea twice this season.

The way you are saying it as if De Gea is now a bad goal keeper.

As good as Van Dar Sar was, that kind of free kick has beaten him hands down before.

elampiro:
Some (a section) of the fan based who voted no know ball. Don’t forget that.

It is not also by chance that Valencia won 3 players of the month awards this season. The fans screwed it.

And who are those who voted for him to win the 3 player of the month awards this season?

Or his colleagues also voted him to win the 3 awards?

The same fans that voted for him to win the 3 player of the month awards are the ones you are now castigating for not voting him but voting Herrera as the POTY.

Nah for you o elampiro.

elampiro:
And it is happening for the first time?

Anyway, to me the Players votes are the most important and most dependable because they are the real professionals who understand the game.

The PFA player of the year is voted by Premier league players. Not fans. Fans can be carried away by sentiments and looks.

It is not happening for the first time. It has always been like that. There are seasons when there's a split like that before.

You should also remember that past players are also part of the fans that voted. This voting system has a large sample size compared to that voted by the players only.

The Matt Busby Player of the Year Award is the most recognised and most documented.

elampiro:
I know this, but it used to be the one voted by players that is the ultimate- sir Busby. Why a shift of the goalpost?

Valencia won it in 2011, DeGea last three years with players votes used

There's no shift in goal post. It has always been like that. Like i said, the Matt Busby Player of the Year award voted for by the fans is the ultimate.

Yes, Valencia won the Player's Player of the Year Award in 2011/12 season and he also won the Matt Busby Player of the Year Award that same season. There can be a split between the fans' choice and the player's choice. That's exactly what happened this season.

elampiro:
I understand it now

Valencia won the one voted by players.

Herrera won the one voted by fans.

I thought it used to be just one voted by players. That is how I have understood it over the years. It has always been Players' Player of the year.

Anyway, both are our players.

Both are our players but the one won by Herrera which is the Matt Busby Player of the Year award is the ultimate. It is the same trophy won that's been by De Gea in the past three season or thereabout. Also won by CR7, Nistlerooy etc.

The Matt Busby Award was established in 1988 as MUFC Members Player of the Year award but was renamed Matt Busby Player of the Year award after Matt Busby in 1996.