12 months since Mourinho was sacked and we've arguably gone backwards

[AndyMUFC]

Because two results don't define a manager. Otherwise we may as well pick out two results each of LVG and Mourinho and claim they were successful here.

They don’t but I can point to numerous othe

Because two results don't define a manager. Otherwise we may as well pick out two results each of LVG and Mourinho and claim they were successful here.

Well it’s not two games. In fact it’s basically every big game we play. There is 100% more progress there. You’re never gonna win anything if you only turn up for those games of course, but again, we still dominate those games.

One or two players away, I tell you.

 

[Kag]

Mourinho was destroying the club. His tenure set the club back five years (at least).

Every day without Mourinho remains a step in the right direction.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

It's like most of "fans" on here wasn't there before OGS came in.
Just remind yourself the shit football we had to endure with Mourinho, we didn't progress under him and van Gaal, we are with Solskjaer.
Alzheimer is a disease.

We made some progress under LVG (4th and FA cup) and Mourinho (2nd and Europa) following Moyes. However we failed to make the true progress as s football team we needed to, to get back up there.

We have NOT made that progress under Ole either.

 

[TheReligion]

Almost exactly one year ago, Ole was appointed caretaker manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The toxic one was relieved of his duties having led Manchester United to their 5th defeat of the Premier League season with a loss to Liverpool at Anfield. On December 18th 2018, United sat in 6th with 7 wins, 29 goals and 26 points; fast forward a year, two transfer windows, almost £150 million worth of player additions and an improved team culture - we've amassed 1 fewer point, 1 fewer win and 3 fewer goals. Most importantly, we look just as clueless as we did under Mourinho in his final season. Whether you want to blame Ole or not, it's inconceivable that 12 months since the sacking of our most despised manager, we've seen 0 progress or improvement in most of the aspects related to this behemoth of a football club. How does Manchester United, with all its apparent resources, find itself in this position?

Had we gone backwards last week when we totally outplayed and beat Spurs and City?

 

[SalfordRed18]

Late contender for worst thread of the year.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

How the balls have we gone backwards?

The Spurs and City performances compared to Mourinho’s last game at Liverpool should tell you all you’re talking shite, even if we’d like to be winning more games.

We’re a couple of attacking signings from being a strong side.

Are you being thick on purpose? We've won less, scored less and amassed fewer points. Incredible that a set of our fan base ignores results when they need to but will bring up certain wins here and there when it helps their baseless opinions.

 

[Josep Dowling]

Well over the last few weeks I’ve been impressed with the way we have played. Even against Everton today - they didn’t create anything the entire game but for a De Gea error we would have won that game. We can’t break teams down that sit deep. It’s difficult but the only way that changes is buying a couple more players - most notably a number 10.

If we do get the players in that Ole seems to be targeting - Sancho, Håland and Maddison - it ‘could’ be exciting times. We should at the very least have a bit more attacking intent.

For the first time I feel there is some sort of plan and long term planning being done. The players being signed are young and have potential to improve. To me this is a much better idea than trying to sign ready made talent all the time. The process is slow and isn’t going to happen overnight.

Maybe Ole isn’t the right man for the job long term but he’s certainly changing the squad for the better. It’s just unfortunate we had to cull a lot of the team but wasn’t able to bring more in the summer.

And the truth is who do you bring in? I sense Poch already has a job lined up in Europe. There aren’t many other options out there that would suit us. Ancelotti maybe? But his recent record hasn’t been fantastic. It’s pointless sacking him for the sake of it, look at Arsenal’s situation.

 

[Wumminator]

Gone backwards?

Do you... watch the games?

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Had we gone backwards last week when we totally outplayed and beat Spurs and City?

Over the course 12 months, I'd say possibly so.

 

[koop]

yawn

 

[fps]

No I am much happier with the direction of the club the profile of players and the development of the players. Just need to add some better players in the mould Ole wants.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

They don’t but I can point to numerous othe.

Under Ole? No we don't have many to point to.

Well it’s not two games. In fact it’s basically every big game we play. There is 100% more progress there. You’re never gonna win anything if you only turn up for those games of course, but again, we still dominate those games.

One or two players away, I tell you.

We aren't dominating any games. Having more possession and shots than Bournemouth is something even Big Sam can do. And something every previous United manager managed. Their supporters too pointed to bad luck/poor finishing/individual mistakes when it was evident that they were managing the team well enough. Ole has been the same (minus the trophy and top 4 finish).

The one positive under Ole is the focus on youth as with LVG. And his signings appear solid. Otherwise he doesn't impress me as a coach/manager when it comes to on the pitch matters.

 

[jackal&hyde]

Gone backwards? All this team can do is improve with experience and a couple of new players in. We have been great against the top sides, just need that extra bit of quality and composure when looking to break more defensive teams.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Gone backwards? All this team can do is improve with experience and a couple of new players in. We have been great against the top sides, just need that extra bit of quality and composure when looking to break more defensive teams.

So, basically, we're the Wolves of last season? Good against top sides when camped deep in our half and shit against everyone else. We'll also blame everyone but our manager including VAR which has benefited us a lot this season.

 

[sammsky1]

OK. Except Ole has been in charge 12 months and there's been no improvement in the most important aspect of the game - results. But carry on with xG's and whatever else shows that we're moving forward in everything bar winning, scoring goals and not conceding.

A reset of the magnitude that OGS is undertaking takes plenty of time to mature and show results. OGS may not have been the right person to appoint, and he may not be successful, but to expect consistently excellent results from a young, developing and inconsistent team is not only unreasonable, but also always going to make you feel frustrated that your expectations are not being met.

I still disagree with Woodward that he didnt back Mourinho after coming 2nd, and forcing Mourinho into his confrontational exit from the club. But once that happened, the state of the club was a mess (squad composition, culture, motivations) and as very close to the club SAF inherited in1986. It required a complete reboot. And as Im old enough to remember what it was like in 1986, so my expectations in terms of development and improvement is similar. OGS isn't getting sacked anytime soon, so I'm relaxed, and enjoying following and supporting the ups and downs of a team in our current guise.

 

[Dannyboy]

What Ole has done with McTom and Fred is quite remarkable. We are no longer relying solely on Pogba. Look at Rashford and the year he’s having, he will most likely get 20 goals. Greenwood is going to be one hell of player I think all of us can see that. Just remember all the deadwood we had last year that Ole got rid of, and the signings he made have all been good and with a few more signings this team challenging.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Gone backwards?

Do you... watch the games?

Here's a hint - our worst ever start to a premier league season. The fewest points we've ever picked up at this stage since the inception of the PL.

 

[Amadaeus]

I believe we are heading in the right direction with the players we have sold and players we are interested in signing/signed. Progression might be slow, but it is the right direction.

However, our football philosophy has gone sideways or backward. In addition, our result as well. We need a more progressive philosophy and manager from what I can see in the timeframe posted by the initial poster. We look more like Wolves 2.0 than Machester United.

 

[lysglimt]

This doesn't make sense. I can't have an opinion unless I'm a qualified manager myself?

And what would I do differently? I wouldn't hire an incompetent manager based on nothing but sentimentality.

Are you watching Arsenal - City ? This City-team was torn to shreds by this "incompetent" manager. I don't really want to insult people for having different opinion than myself - but I am almost tempted to make an exception for you

 

[TheReligion]

Over the course 12 months, I'd say possibly so.

Huh? I'm not sure how you can justify this tbh pal. Reeks of knee jerk again. Had we got a winner this afternoon this thread wouldn't exist.

 

[Tom Cato]

This doesn't make sense. I can't have an opinion unless I'm a qualified manager myself?

And what would I do differently? I wouldn't hire an incompetent manager based on nothing but sentimentality.

Wait, how do you read my comment as disallowing you from having an opinion? Don't look for an excuse to play the victim.

I literally asked, what would you have done differently, not for your resume.

If you think the manager was hired based on sentimentality then I'm happy to inform you that you are mistaken in your belief.

 

[eire-red]

Probably fair to say that we haven't evolved under Ole, but I feel we'll reap the rewards of what he's currently doing in a couple of seasons. Getting the likes of Lukaku, Sanchez, Fellaini out of the club, slowly pushing the likes of Matic, Rojo, Jones out of the squad. It's a cleanse that is desperately needed, but it's hard to accept all the positives with lacklustre results.

Watching City vs Arsenal right now and De Bruyne is everything that we're missing right now. He's pure class, and we can't continue with the likes of Lingard and Pereira in that 10 role, if we continue to play 4231. Its such a crucial position in this set up and we are consistently playing stragglers there.

McTominay and Fred are great in highly pressing games like away to City, but I honestly feel that only one of them should be in the squad. We're desperately crying out for a midfield maestro who can dictate the game and play through the lines. Is Pogba the answer in the no. 10? Has he shown enough desire for us to believe that he can ever be the player we all want him to be on a consistent basis? We know he's not the answer in a CM role. Does he really fit into our team at the moment?

We're 3 to 4 players away I feel. A top CM, a top No. 10, and all round forward player who can play wide and through the middle. Someone in the mould of Son, he's a player I'd love to see here. Add another top CB and we're a different looking animal. Sounds easy, right?

The problem is have we seen anything over the last 5 seasons that gives us faith we're going to recruit the talent and leaders we need? I have no idea, but we're slowly reaching the point where prospects and possibilities and progress towards a plan need to actually begin to happen.. How long do we wait though? The results are poor but I still feel more positive than under Jose. The next two transfer windows are huge. Next season is the acid test. This season we've seen flashes. Soon we have to see it come together on a consistent basis.

 

[Irrational.]

We've not gone backwards, but we haven't gone forwards either. We are stagnant as a club and have had more false dawns than positive runs off results.

People seem to have red tinted spectacles with Ole. For every Spurs and City result, we have produced more Astana, West Ham and Bournemouth results. Ole is still horribly out of his depth, and odd results here and there are doing nothing but prolonging his stay of execution. I can't see us starting next season with him as manager.

 

[Heinzesight]

Something, something...go and support Chelsea. Some absolute shite being posted today and this just enforces the drivel being spouted. I bet some of these guys were gutted we beat Spurs and the Berts.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Are you watching Arsenal - City ? This City-team was torn to shreds by this "incompetent" manager. I don't really want to insult people for having different opinion than myself - but I am almost tempted to make an exception for you

Arsenal

 

[UpWithRivers]

Gone backwards or not Im shocked at how our fans sound like failed teams fans over the years. When we were winning a.k.a the Sir Alex years every time I would speak to opposition fans they would sound like this. Oh but we are one player away from a great team. You are were sht all game but lucky. It was the referees fault. This time next year Rodney. Even if there are good points and even if we have faith in the next 3, 4, 5 years denying the fact we are absolutely sht at the moment overall is tantamount to wearing your knickers on your head and believing in fairies. We are Manchester United for the love of football. Have we no standards left. I dont even care if people are Ole in or out anymore but at least call a spade a spade. We are having an absolutely terrible season overall. Fact.

 

[SAFMUTD]

We are still s very very average/poor team, the main difference is that the dressing rooms clearly supports Ole while Mourinho had lost it completely.

I don’t know which is worst to be honest, at least with Mourinho you could sense we weren’t as bad it was just the players lowering their guns, now is just lack of quality and coaching. The players give their all but it’s not remotely enough.

 

[Fracture90]

Acolytes coming in strong, still can't get over it.

 

[Ludens the Red]

I would say we are about the same, barely any improvement but not necessarily gone backwards.
We have a worse squad.
We are playing slightly better football.

The biggest difference is that people/the media don’t like Mourinho but they like Ole so the atmosphere and perception round the club is a lot better and a lot of people in this thread are falling into that trap of confusing the atmosphere around the club with results and performance when reviewing whether the club has made improvements a year on from sacking Jose.

But simply put , were still 6th, still inconsistent, stick picking bad players, still struggling to score goals and keep clean sheets.
Only difference is that Mourinho was sabotaging and Ole is trying his hardest.

 

[TheReligion]

We are still s very very average/poor team, the main difference is that the dressing rooms clearly supports Ole while Mourinho had lost it completely.

I don’t know which is worst to be honest, at least with Mourinho you could sense we weren’t as bad it was just the players lowering their guns, now is just lack of quality and coaching. The players give their all but it’s not remotely enough.

Yes. Thanks for reiterating this in the hundredth thread. It's a new young team that will have consistency issues. Haven't you started to understand this yet? There's bags of potential but also much room for improvement.

If people can't grasp where we are at the moment and what we are trying to do then I feel sorry for them. Accept it and back the team.

 

[Offside]

Just absolute garbage from the OP.

 

[Big Ben Foster]

Gone backwards or not Im shocked at how our fans sound like failed teams fans over the years. When we were winning a.k.a the Sir Alex years every time I would speak to opposition fans they would sound like this. Oh but we are one player away from a great team. You are were sht all game but lucky. It was the referees fault. This time next year Rodney. Even if there are good points and even if we have faith in the next 3, 4, 5 years denying the fact we are absolutely sht at the moment overall is tantamount to wearing your knickers on your head and believing in fairies. We are Manchester United for the love of football. Have we no standards left. I dont even care if people are Ole in or out anymore but at least call a spade a spade. We are having an absolutely terrible season overall. Fact.

Yep, we sound like Arsenal fans a decade ago with their "three year plans". How'd that work out for them again?

 

[Balljy]

Getting results isn't the only sign of progress. The Mourinho model of winning at all costs looks good for a while and appeases some fans but history shows leaves clubs with a bad age profile, discontented players and a fall off of results.

Solskjaer has 100% recognised the problems in the squad and rebuilding that will come with some pretty serious drop-offs in performances. The age in the squad is looking better, he seems to be removing or looking to remove players that don't fit and for the first time in ages it appears we have a core that might be worth sticking with. It's been years since I've felt there are 5 or 6 players in the 1st team squad who are good enough to challenge which I do now.

I don't actually think we're that close yet and a few more will be sold in the next couple of windows but do that and add in the areas where we are quite obviously week (rather than basically the whole squad as it looked a year ago) and we're on the right track. This was never going to be a 6 month job with the absolute dross bought over the last 5 years. I mean, bring in Pogba (or a replacement if it comes to that) to replace Lingard and we may be able to break down teams.

 

[90 + 5min]

Almost exactly one year ago, Ole was appointed caretaker manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The toxic one was relieved of his duties having led Manchester United to their 5th defeat of the Premier League season with a loss to Liverpool at Anfield. On December 18th 2018, United sat in 6th with 7 wins, 29 goals and 26 points; fast forward a year, two transfer windows, almost £150 million worth of player additions and an improved team culture - we've amassed 1 fewer point, 1 fewer win and 3 fewer goals. Most importantly, we look just as clueless as we did under Mourinho in his final season. Whether you want to blame Ole or not, it's inconceivable that 12 months since the sacking of our most despised manager, we've seen 0 progress or improvement in most of the aspects related to this behemoth of a football club. How does Manchester United, with all its apparent resources, find itself in this position?

Please turn on tv and watch our games instead of playing football manager and just looking at the results.

To say that we have gone backwards is to say that Earth is flat.

 

[SAFMUTD]

Yes. Thanks for reiterating this in the hundredth thread. It's a new young team that will have consistency issues. Haven't you started to understand this yet? There's bags of potential but also much room for improvement.

If people can't grasp where we are at the moment and what we are trying to do then I feel sorry for them. Accept it and back the team.

A new young team? Because we add James into the starting XI? You make it sound as if a extreme overhauling was made and we are playing with youngsters.

Its not a new young team, its the same squad plus 3 new players from which 2 are consolidated internationals.

Stop justifying the failures.

 

[PyroMan]

Go support Mourinho FC.

 

[Adcuth]

We're you saying that after the city game?

 

[TheReligion]

A new young team? Because we add James into the starting XI? You make it sound as if a extreme overhauling was made and we are playing with youngsters.

Its not a new young team, its the same squad plus 3 new players from which 2 are consolidated internationals.

Stop justifying the failures.

Yeah AWB, Tuanzebe, Williams, Mctominay, James, Rashford, Greenwood. Old bastards that have been playing together for years.

 

[Balljy]

A new young team? Because we add James into the starting XI? You make it sound as if a extreme overhauling was made and we are playing with youngsters.

Its not a new young team, its the same squad plus 3 new players from which 2 are consolidated internationals.

Stop justifying the failures.

Last year Young, Valencia, Matic, Mata, Lukaku, Herrera & Sanchez were all playing regularly, This year they're not and have been replaced by youngsters in the squad.

 

[AshRK]

I bet you had saved this in draft and werw ready to fire last week but we won against city and spurs and you were waiting for us to drop points so that you can create a thread about it.

To your point, No we have not gone backwards. We just need more quality.