This is the narrative that Mourinho supporters try to create in the aftermath.
Some probably did expect more from the players. But I do not think that this was the mayor issue last year. I can not speak for every fan, but for me (and I felt it was similar for most others), the biggest problems was the following;
- The quality of the football produced was poor
Mourinho and his supporters keep saying that finishing 2nd was a great achievement. But we were not the second best team in the PL. In fact, if you look at the statistics and exclude DDG, I’m not sure we were even among the four or five best teams in the PL. Five teams had a higher xPTS than MU. And I do not think we would have finished 1st if City was not there (Liverpool shifted there focus to the CL when the PL was out of reach).
- We should have been better
Fact is we were a better team than Liverpool when Mourinho came in. We had finished above them twice in a row and produced better results in the cups.
With Mourinho charge we spent a similar amount (in fact, a bit more) and we did so (unlike Liverpool) without selling any key players. In fact, by this time last year, we had spent alot more than Liverpool during JMs spell. But Liverpool looked a lot better.
- When JM came in, we needed a boss in defence, a boss in midfield, a centre forward and a right winger.
With Mourinho in charge we spent huge amounts. But we still need a central defender, a boss in midfield, a centre forward and a right winger. Furthermore, we need a right back. We even spent money on a few of his former players, and even they failed. It did not look as if Mourinho knew how to use them and get the best from them.
In fact, most of our players looked better for their national teams during the world cup than they did for us.
- Last summer he tried forcing the club to bring in players like Willian, Perisic and Boateng. We should be thankfull that the club, by the time, stopped him.
- His attitude and the atmosphere he created. Similar to what he has happend at most clubs where has been more then two years.