Manchester United: Jose Mourinho still a master at squad building
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has completed his second signing of the season in Romelu Lukaku and has proven once again that he’s as ‘special’ as can be.
It’s hard to deny that the former Chelsea manager leaves a lasting legacy at whatever club he manages and despite some skeptics claiming he’s old news, Jose Mourinho has proven to be as genius at squad building as he’s always been. The Manchester United manager hasn’t lost his touch it appears.
Here’s a list of his signings so far at the club- Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic, Bailly, Lindelof and Lukaku. Now that’s a group of players any club in the world would love to sign. However, it’s not just about top talent. Not only is there a nice balance of experienced and young players alike, Mourinho has actively addressed key areas in Manchester United’s squad.
He’s acknowledged his team’s weaknesses and has moved quickly in strengthening them in a long term manner. Jose has finally found himself at a top club that would love to have him around for eternity if possible and it appears that he feels the same way. However, should either side’s feelings change, he’s building a squad that the next Manchester United manager is likely to benefit from too.
Not only has Mourinho surprisingly looked towards youth for his success but he’s also slowly transitioned out either deadwood or ageing players. For the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement has the squad truly felt like it’s transitioning and slowly coming together. Before Jose, Manchester United appeared to lack identity and clear targets in the transfer market.
Players were bought for the sake of their reputation rather than their ability to fit in with the identity of the club. Players such as Di Maria and Falcao spring to mind. It would not be surprising to see a fresher, more energetic and youthful side next season from Mourinho’s Manchester United and this is all down to him.
The decisions he’s made have been swift, classy and with a clear strategy in mind. The Rooney situation was handled in such a wonderful manner that the Englishman isn’t currently being remembered for his horrible decline but instead for his huge contributions to Manchester United’s history. Surely he couldn’t ask for more from Mourinho?
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Jose has also been smart enough to still keep around experienced players and players in their prime alike. Young and Carrick come under the experienced category and Herrera, Mata and Blind come under the players in their prime category. These are exciting times to be a Manchester United fan and that’s all due to Jose Mourinho despite his short stay at the club so far.