A barren stalemate against West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday might have seemed to be the 'last straw' for Manchester United in their bid for a top four finish but the worst was yet to come for Jose Mourinho and his red devils on Tuesday evening as they needed a 94th minute penalty from returnee Zlatan Ibrahimohic to steal a point at Old Trafford (AT OLD TRAFFORD). Jose Mourinho still has some repairing to do on his reputation despite bringing the League Cup in his first season at Manchester United. There are talking points that should be incentives for the Portuguese to step up his game at United.
The Antonio Conte Effect
In late 2015 when Mourinho was sacked barely seven months after winning Chelsea the league, this was due to the recurrence of poor results, after an interim stint once again by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, Antonio Conte replaced Mourinho fully and has since transformed that same Chelsea side to title hopefuls with swashbuckling and impeccable displays, the onus is on 'the special one' to remind everyone interested in football of what he can do, because the past doesn't affect the future in football. Conte's Success should be a driving force for the two-time champions league winner and the Europa league is the trophy that will help Mourinho make that statement.
European Football
Should Manchester United fail to win the Europa League and miss out on top four it will be the first time since the inception on the Premier League that United have failed in consecutive seasons to be in Europe's elite competition. Manchester United have finished in the top four on countless occasions and indeed Mourinho has never finished outside the top four in his two spells as manager of Chelsea, but in these desperate times the club and its manager need to look outside the box and seek that one trophy that has never been brought to the club and save the club and manager the embarrassment too.
Can't You See Guardiola?
Manchester United's Neighbours have managed to titter around the top four for long periods this season although they haven't been exactly spectacular, nothing is granted in football and no none can read the minds of managers but the Jose Mourinho we know would not be overly excited should Pep Guardiola (a newcomer) finish above United (in his first Premier League Season). Here is a case of pride and also Mancunian bragging rights.
The ball is in Manchester United's court for now, victory for Arsenal and a second triumph for Liverpool in five days may well take the top four chase further away from Jose Mourinho and his red devils, maybe.
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