Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has asked for more support from the Old Trafford crowd, and not for the first time in his career at the club either.
Mourinho has previously worked at clubs such as Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea so it would be fair to say he would know a thing or two about bouncing atmosphere’s at the world’s top stadiums. Manchester United have a top stadium in Old Trafford but apparently it’s not loud enough for the boss’s liking.
He wrote in his programme notes ahead of the Everton game on Sunday, “I do hope that our noisy supporters are back from their holidays for today’s match to give the players the backing they need and deserve.”. United did eventually win the game with another 4-0 scoreline, their third in the Premier League but the Portuguese tactician wants more from the club’s fans.
“I want the lads to enjoy a really supportive atmosphere in all our home games in every competition. We haven’t lost at home for over a year, and if we can keep performing well – the players on the pitch, the fans in the stands – then I hope this run can continue for a lot longer.” wrote Mourinho.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
The former Chelsea boss earlier criticised the Old Trafford atmosphere after Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Leicester City. After that game he said, “I saw the ball in the net and all the guys jumping around. It was the first time I saw the crowd. They were very quiet. It was easy to know that was a goal because it was the first time I really understood the stadium was full.”.
The case Mourinho is making is an interesting one. While other clubs may struggle to fill up their stadiums and therefore create an appropriate atmosphere, United regularly have all their stands filled to the brim so why do the Red Devils struggle to match, let alone beat, away fans coming to their home?
It has been noted in recent times that the Old Trafford crowd don’t make too much noise barring any special games such as against rivals Liverpool or Manchester City. Even on Manchester United’s return to the Champions League against Basel, the Swiss fans were louder and more intimidating than the home team.
There could be several reasons why it’s been a little quiet in the red half of Manchester. Some fans blame it on other fans selling their tickets to less ‘passionate’ or quieter people for profit. Others have tried to point a finger at an older crowd or even for the tedious football they’ve had to witness for a few seasons after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Whatever the reason is, it’s interesting to note Mourinho has only spoken about the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford and not the travelling away support who go far and wide to watch the Red Devils in action in all sorts of stadiums. United’s away fans have been notorious for being amongst the best in the country so the home blues is a strange phenomenon but would give the ‘less passionate fans’ theory more legitimacy.
Fans who travel with their club to watch their games away from the comforts of home are certainly more football obsessed and fired up, determined to ruin their opponents day. Perhaps fans at home expect others to create the atmosphere but away fans know since they’re a small concentration it’s up to them to create enough noise to disrupt their opponents.
Next: Mourinho: Manchester United beat Chelsea to Lukaku for this reason
Whatever the reason may be, Mourinho is challenging Manchester United’s Old Trafford fan base and is hoping to see a reaction from them. Given the recent games, he has every right to call them out. Whether it means anything will change, only time will tell but if the Red Devils hope to challenge for anything this season, they’ll need their home support in full force.