As returns to former clubs go, losing 4-0 and conceding a goal in 30 seconds is about as embarrassing as it can get. Mourinho may have employed his famous tactics to hold Liverpool to a goalless draw, but Sunday’s loss held a different story altogether.
Their 4-1 Europa League victory over Fenerbache and hard-fought draw at Anfield left supporters in fairly high spirits. But, after Pedro’s early goal, seeing Gary Cahill bag a right-place-right-time goal past David de Gea soon shattered the optimism.
As United head into a League Cup Manchester derby on Tuesday, serious questions are being asked of some players and of Jose Mourinho’s managerial tactics.
On a weekend where Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City all drew, alongside Everton’s loss, this game offered a crucial opportunity to gain points. However, The Red Devils remain seventh in the table, six behind leaders Manchester City.
With four wins from a possible nine, The Special One finds himself recording his second-worst start to a season in his managerial career. The only time he has found himself in a poorer position was with Chelsea last season, where he was eventually sacked in December. He had three points fewer than he does now.
Jose was sacked from his return to Chelsea after 16 weeks in charge, with just 15 points on his tally. It is impossible to tell whether the United faithful would offer him anymore patience if he is on the same total in seven weeks’ time.
Five facts around Manchester United & Jose’s performances:
- Jose Mourinho now las fewer points than Louis van Gaal had managed at the same point last season. LVG was on 19 points last time out, compared to Mourinho’s 14.
- According to Opta, he has now lost 13 of his last 27 league games as a manager. Prior to this, the last 13 defeats came over a span of 135 games.
- In the Premier League era, United have only ever racked up fewer points than this after nine games once. This was in the 2014/15 season, where they had recorded 13.
- Pedro’s goal after 30 seconds was the quickest game of the season so far.
- David de Gea has conceded 15 goals in seven games against Chelsea, keeping 0 clean sheets.