Two losses in the first four league games of the current league campaign have put Jose Mourinho’s role at Old Trafford under real risk. The Portuguese manager often has a ‘third season syndrome’, where he loses the dressing room and has to be let go like he was in his last two stints in England.
And the same could happen this year with Manchester United as the list of potential managers who might replace him grows. The latest name to be added to that list according to the BILD (Via the Express) is Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Rise of Espirito Santo
After a successful playing career in four different leagues, Santo started his coaching career with Rio Ave in Brazil but made a name for himself in his only season in La Liga with Valencia, where he was named the manager of the month in the Spanish league on three different occasions in the 2014-15 season.
He moved to England in May 2017 and in his first season there, he helped Wolves to the Championship title, winning his first silverware as a manager. His side were too good for the second tier of English football last season.
Santo had a decent squad at his disposal but the way he got them to play together for a mutual goal is what will have impressed the Manchester United bosses.
But what is more impressive is how the Molineux outfit have managed to retain their confidence and play a similar brand of football in the Premier League as well. Wolves stole a couple of points from Manchester City and their only loss of the campaign came at the King Power Stadium against Leicester.
The Portuguese manager has certainly made a real impact in the top flight and it does not come as a surprise that he is now on the list of managers that Manchester United want to replace Mourinho with.
Is He Good Enough For The Red Devils?
Mourinho has a unique style of play that requires his players to understand their roles and give out their best. But this season, we have seen quite a few players out of form and when that happens, Mourinho’s system comes down crashing. He does have it in him to get United back fighting for the title but if the current performances and results do not improve, he may not get another transfer window at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old Wolves boss has won 61.4% of his games in England and is also a great nurturer of talent. He also has his own way of getting results, and though he might have to make a few changes to his squad, has the ability to get the most out of what is a talented unit at Old Trafford.
Santo will take his time to work his magic so he should only be appointed if United are planning for the long term.