September 19 – Here we go again. Jose Mourinho blaming everyone but himself when things don’t go according to plan.
The self-styled Special One, who became the Happy One when appointed Manchester United manager, is suddenly the Beaten One after Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Watford, United’s third loss in all competitions in eight days, the first time that has happened for a decade.
Television analysis and radio phone-ins were crammed with criticism of United’s early-season form and whether, despite splashing out a world record fee on Paul Pogba, they have become a team of stars without a system under Mourinho with no out-and-out defensive midfielder and too many players occupying the same roles.
Mourinho admits that individual mistakes are costing his team. “Some individuals probably feel the pressure and responsibility too much,” he said. Yet he appears not to be taking responsibility himself, not in front of the cameras at least. Although one of Watford’s goals should definitely have been disallowed for a foul, once again after Sunday’s game Mourinho, in trademark fashion, partially blamed the officials and United’s lack of luck for contributing to their inconsistent start. “The referee’s crucial mistakes are not in my control, there is nothing I can do about that. That is not under my control.”
To add insult to injury for Mourinho, across Manchester his great rival Pep Guardiola has so far shown himself to be far more special, his Manchester City side playing with a swagger reflective of Guardiola’s renowned approach to the game.
Already City have beaten United at Old Trafford and now sit six points ahead of them in the league. The spotlight next falls on Mourinho when United travel to lowly Northampton in the League Cup on Wednesday. It’s a competition that is probably lowest on Mourinho’s priority list but it has suddenly taken on greater significance after the embarrassment of the last week.
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