Manchester United finally got back to winning ways on the domestic front as they prepare to fight their way up the Premier League table…
After three devastating draws, Manchester United finally woke up and managed to win a game in style. Currently sitting 6th in the Premier League table, the Red Devils’ only realistic goal is to finish in the top four. After a dominant performance against Fulham, United now have their first win in their last five league matches. Still 8 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, Mourinho’s men must push on and cut the deficit if they wish to participate in next season’s Champions League.
The club’s previous match against Arsenal was surely one to forget as both sides turned in flimsy performances. Three defensive blunders contributed to to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford as Unai Emery’s side extended their unbeaten run. Mourinho switched to a 3-4-3 formation for the game with Paul Pogba not in the starting eleven. It wasn’t the first time this season the Portuguese manager opted for an alternative tactical structure and saw it fail.
Given the circumstances, it should still be considered a good result for Manchester United as Arsenal came into the match on the back of an impressive 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham. Nonetheless, Mourinho expressed his disappointment during a post-match interview: “We always shoot ourselves. We scored four goals and we drew 2-2.” He went on to praise certain players as he remarked, “The team had a very good response, a big soul.”
"We scored four goals and drew 2-2! As always we made mistakes and we paid for the mistakes."
LIVE #PL reaction: https://t.co/qAFJckxhx4 pic.twitter.com/fXb9PFLw69
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 5, 2018
Why are Fred and Pogba not playing?
Mourinho was questioned about the players currently receiving limited playing time, with £52 million summer signing Fred the center of attention. “I think Fred, when the team is defensively stronger, and does not need him in midfield – people that are more worried in giving some balance to the team than being involved in creation and attacking dynamics – the day we are stronger defensively, the horizons for Fred change completely,” he told reporters. Fred has started just three of the last fourteen matches for United and only managed a substitute appearance against Fulham.
On the other hand, José led with some harsh words on Pogba’s situation. “He has to play with the same mentality as the rest of the team,” he commented. The Frenchman has not been performing up to the mark and was sidelined in the previous two matches. Even so, Mourinho continues to believe in the player’s ability: “Paul can be a fantastic player, he is going to start against Valencia and he will have a fantastic game to play to show everyone how good he is.”
Paul Pogba was the only player at the 2018 World Cup to make at least 6 dribbles, 6 shots (exc. blocked), 6 interceptions, 6 clearances, win 6 tackles and create 6 chances.
A true No.6. pic.twitter.com/6tDVfHECVv
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 6, 2018
Could the out-of-favour midfield duo be the answer to United’s problems? Their inclusion should allow United to opt for more attacking approach as they can push forward while Nemanja Matić plugs the gaps in midfield. In any case, fresh ideas are needed if United are to be consistent and claw their way up the Premier League table.