I'm not a United fan but if I were, what would worry me most is his demeanour. In the past, although he hasn't exactly seemed like the happiest chap in the world, he has exuded a lot of self confidence. He portrayed a guy who seemed to know what he was doing. People sometimes called this "mind games" or whatever. His answers to media questions in particular always seemed to be spot on. He came across as a winner and the kind of guy you'd always want on your side. He often sailed close to the line, especially with comments about other managers but time and time again whatever he said or did always got vindicated. If I had to sum it up I would say he came across as someone with a huge amount of mental strength and, especially with regard to the manager of my team, he always had the upper edge. I always felt Arsenal were beaten before the match even started. His Chelsea team were the living embodiment of this mental strength and even if we went ahead, I always had the feeling his team would come back and beat us or at least never lose.
Now, that self confidence seems to have dissipated at least to some extent. He doesn't seem as cocksure as he used to. Perhaps this is just a phase he is going through and he will come out the other side even stronger but it's also possible he really has started to question himself, even if it's only sub-consciously.
The game against Arsenal on 19th November is going to be really interesting. I think it's a much more important game for Mourinho than it is for Wenger. I think most people think Mourinho's league record against Wenger will continue and that United will not lose the game. I think if someone offered Mourinho a draw now he would take it and so would Wenger. If I were a betting man I'd bet on a draw but if Arsenal do win, I would be worried if I were a United fan. A lot of people on here are saying that even if he fails to get top 4 he should still be given more time. I think that if by March time a top 4 finish is looking unlikely he will do something that will force United's hand. If he's already criticising his players in November his natural personality will combust if things aren't looking good towards the seasons end.
I don't think the United board had much choice in appointing him. His end at Chelsea was not enough to prove he'd lost his mojo and if they hadn't appointed him, there would have been endless questions from both fans and media as to why he wasn't appointed. Heck, I still wanted him to replace Wenger at the end of last season because his track record meant his stock was still high. I do think now though that he has lost something and potentially won't get it back. I do disagree with people here who say there is nowhere for United to go should he leave though. With the resources you have, managing United has got to be the most sought after job in management. If I were a manager with no loyalties to another team, United would be my first choice. Huge resources and both historically and currently a massive club. The match going fans as well are miles better than for example Madrid where expectations are frankly pathetic. It's only a matter of time before United win the league again and I think only a matter of time before they're back in the latter stages of the Champions league on a regular basis. Unfortunately for you guys though I think it might be with your next manager rather than your current one.
I hope that Mourinho does have something left in the tank because if this is the start of the end for him, it will make football in this country less interesting. On the other hand I hope we tonk you on the 19th !