Manchester United have had to deal with yet another disappointing start to the campaign and are languishing in the eighth spot with just 20 points on board.
While they have shown promise in recent weeks, notably churning out some last-gasp wins, the Red Devils still have a lot to improve, which was clearly evident in their humiliating defeat in the Manchester derby.
In the meantime, here is a report card of Manchester United’s season so far under Jose Mourinho.
Standout performer
Anthony Martial has been the lone bright spark in yet another dire campaign for Manchester United so far, with the Frenchman leading the club’s scoring tally with six goals.
However, he could have been much more useful had he been entrusted by Mourinho earlier in the season as all of his six goals have come in the last five league games, during which United have won thrice.
Martial’s sheer pace and dynamic movements on the flanks have tormented the Premier League defences in recent weeks. Aside from his scoring, he has also been quite effective in creating chances, averaging over one key pass per game. And there is no doubt that Martial’s form will be key as United look to push for a strong recovery.
Underwhelming performers
David de Gea has been the biggest disappointment for Manchester United this campaign alongside Alexis Sanchez. While the former has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his last seven games in all competitions conceding 21 goals in the league – most by any keeper in the top half of the table, Sanchez has struggled to receive regular gametime under Mourinho after a horror start to the season.
In fact, the Chilean superstar has scored only one goal in nine league matches thus far – which is totally unacceptable for a player of his calibre.
Therefore, both these players need to showcase an incredible turnaround if United want to have a respectable finish.
The manager and tactics
As you would normally expect from Mourinho, he has once again implemented his defence-oriented tactics with the fullbacks and attackers providing width to the attack while the defensive midfield, at times, dropping deep to almost act as an auxiliary centre-back – primarily to maintain defensive stability when the fullbacks are moving forward.
But the results have not yielded till now.They have leaked goals this season thus compounding the manager’s misery who has decided to put the blame on the quality he has at his disposal.
On top of that, the Portuguese mastermind has struggled to instill any sort of attacking efficiency in the team and could get into further trouble should the likes of Sanchez and co. continue to under-perform throughout the rest of the campaign.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored