Manchester United: 5 questions Jose Mourinho needs to answer in September
September has rolled around, which means the Premier League is already three weeks in. While the wind was taken out of the season’s sails with international breaks last weekend, it’s still a good chance to take stock of what we’ve seen in those first three games, and what we’re still waiting to see.
Mourinho has had a blinding start to his comeback season with United, and will hope to continue it as long as possible. Three wins in three games, and his summer signings have been crucial in the process. Any concerns over the additions of Pogba or Zlatan have been put to bed, and players who desperately needed a good season to prove themselves are also coming good: Shaw returned from his potentially career-ending injury in top form, Fellaini is a man reborn, Mata has cemented his position in the squad, and Valencia has been one of the standout players of the league.
But what questions are still to be answered?
When are we going to see Mkhitaryan start?
Juan Mata’s performances on the right flank have largely kept Mkhitaryan on the bench, but the former Bundesliga player of the year must have a role to play yet. The question is where? Mkhitaryan can play anywhere across the front three behind the striker, and his presence was game changing against Hull. But having picked up an injury in an international friendly for Armenia, it could mean he also misses the upcoming game against Manchester City. When will we get to see him break the starting XI?
How will Rooney’s season continue?
United’s captain has looked heavy, been overshadowed by new teammates, and frequently slowed attacks so far this season. Yet he keeps providing pivotal plays. A goal and two late assists in three games – and an assist in the Community Shield – are not the statistics of a player riding his ludicrous pay check. At the beginning of the season, I suspected Mkhitaryan would ultimately slot into the center attack position when Rooney’s age eventually caught up with him. But the veteran is showing his talent by adjusting his game once again. How long can he keep this form up?
When will Martial shine again?
It would be unfair to say Anthony Martial has played poorly at the beginning of the season, but considering he was the bright spot of last season, it may be fair to hope for a little more from the French youngster. While his two assists in the game against Bournemouth helped the team to victory, he’s been fairly quiet up till this point.
Some of this is no doubt due to a learning curve with how Mourinho wants him to play, new stars coming in, and it will take time for him and Luke Shaw to develop a deadly partnership. French coach Didier Deschamps thought he was tired, and Mourinho has subbed him off in each of the first three games of the season. However, the $47 million man scored his first international goal for France at the weekend – with a Paul Pogba assist, no less – and could ride that momentum into the rest of the season.
How seriously will the Europa League be taken?
United’s first European league game of the season is against Feyenoord on the 15th, and Mourinho has made no secret of his distain for the competition. He has also said that the cup will be a good chance to give other players in his squad game time, leading many to think United won’t be making the strongest showing possible. Thursday’s opener will give a glimpse of the tactics for this cup.
And most importantly, can Mourinho beat Guardiola in England?
The Manchester Derby is tomorrow, and both teams go into the game unbeaten. City are rapidly adopting Guardiola’s tactics, are top of the table by one point of goal difference, and have a star-studded squad that will only get stronger as the season goes on. But they have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league.
United have had a relatively simple run of games leading up to this one. They also play at home, so will have confidence on their side. But that means the stakes are higher for the Red Devils, so Mourinho’s first real test will be to put up a strong showing against his nemesis, Guardiola, and his sky blue juggernaut.