Every football supporter thinks he could be a manager; it’s easy to suggest hypothetical changes to a struggling team from the comfort of the sofa.
But, at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho seems to be oblivious to issues that are leaving fans asking: “What in the world are you doing?”
Firstly, it appears Zlatan Ibrahimovic has an automatic starting spot at centre-forward, even though he is out of form and is holding United back with his immobile style of play.
The Swede has not scored in five games and has only one goal in his last 10, a header from a yard out in the Europa League victory over Zorya after Wayne Rooney’s miss-kick.
More from the Premier League:
• Greg Lea: Where Liverpool once lost Premier League title, now they show it can be theirs again
• Richard Jolly: For Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Manchester United, decline and floundering in Fergie Time
• Andy Mitten: Jose Mourinho receives League Cup respite — now to get Man United back on track in the league
His automatic berth also means Marcus Rashford is consigned to the left wing, a position that does not make best use of his speed. In turn Rashford’s position on the left side of attack is depriving United of a genuine wide player who would be more effective there.
Secondly, Mourinho is struggling to find a place for one of his big summer signings, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, in his matchday squad of 18, let alone the starting XI. This ponderous United side is crying out for the Armenian’s vision and goal threat but he is instead stuck in the stands. It is baffling.
The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker was injured recently but, Mourinho confirmed, is training with the squad and is available for selection. It makes you wonder what has gone wrong behind the scenes.
Finally, he is making strange tactical choices, such as substituting Juan Mata, United’s best player on Saturday, when the team was chasing victory during the 0-0 draw against Burnley.
Equally, Mourinho got his team selection wrong in two of United’s biggest matches this season: the defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea.
It is still early in the season, but Mourinho is doing little to suggest he is still the “Special One”.
Moyes isn’t Sunderland’s main problem
David Moyes looks like he could be on his last chance at Sunderland, and the next two games could decide his future at the club.
Away at Bournemouth and home to Hull City. If Sunderland don’t win at least one of those games, having yet to win a league game all season, he could be facing the sack.
Sunderland are already seven points from safety after 10 games. They have the worst attack and the second worst defence in the league. Will it change much? The club have had five managers since 2013 and have been involved in a relegation battle for the past four seasons. It suggests the manager isn’t the only problem at the club.
Consistently poor investment in players has undermined managers at the Stadium of Light. A sign of Sunderland’s desperation before the summer transfer window closed: Moyes was forced to bring in Victor Anichebe on a free transfer. The former Everton striker has scored at a rate of worse than a goal every seven games in his Premier League career.
The burden on the prolific, but ageing, Jermain Defoe’s shoulders is immense. The former England international kept Sunderland up last season, but if he gets injured, Sunderland, if they aren’t already, really are doomed.
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