He made it very clear recently that getting second was his best achievement not just because of the players but but because of the leadership hierarchy managing the football and undermining him at every turn.
It's a simple equation:
Season 1 cup double 2nd fewest goals allowed in league
Season 2 fa cup final, a distant second place
Season 3 meltdown
Jose Mourinho's meltdowns occur when there is conflict with the club executive or owner and player power.
He was, until City won the league today, the MOST trophied 'active' manager in the world of football.
Mourinho's on a lot people's bad side from his Chelsea days. You can question his style of play and whether it fits United long term as much as you want, but to choose to pander to the player power over such a successful manager was crazy. So much whining here about him throwing players under the bus because everyone else fell into the Woodward trap of knowing better than the most successful manager and serial winner around at the time. He may have been an ugly style and insufferable fella, but nobody here knows better than him. Simple as. Not only that, it was a clear case of fans siding with underperforming players. Where did you lot learn that? (Others, not you
@Kostov) Following United for three decades taught me that if a successful man manager wants to reshuffle to bring order back in the dressing room, you go with it. It's the same as in any sort of management in real life. If your best employee is petulant, causing unrest in the group, you have to get rid. We did it with Stam, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy levels of talent. And then Pogba the first time. That same player is at the root of things (supposedly) and people flock to his support. The moment he posted they picture of himself with the wry smile, you knew the decision was the wrong one. But it's not just that. Extending Martials contract. Refusing a Croatian wide man (did you see how bloody narrow we were today losing to a relagated side!?!?). Apparently fat shaming a kids dad (likely Barca propaganda but it's damning that nobody from the club has denied something so foul yet). And then as simple as laughing at the man (Jose) for saying Ole's start was great but we should wait to judge. You lot called him bitter and jealous. Then Idiot Woodward went one better and hired him!
The greatest way to lead is to know when someone is smarter than you and to listen to them. When it comes to football at this club the last three years that was Jose. Should have listened and let him have his way. We would have at worst, come out as extremely gritty bunch and hard to beat and score against. A foundation onto which you'd then be able to addd the United flair and attacking endeavor, even if it was a new manager a few years down the line. But to have scapegoated him, giving these same players more power...hah we are up shit creek. Even Ole has changed his tune overnight from "I know these players from academy. We have a great bunch. Lots of quality" to "most of them won't be here next season."
I'm so feckin bitter with rage. And to think I was even second guessing my Mourinho sympathisizing.