For people who once saw a team embedded with stars, young talent and a highly experiential midfield, this phase might be a nightmare. The reds who were once considered the unbeatable champions of England have failed to live up to their reputation in recent seasons.

Despite many leadership changes, what Manchester United has failed to accomplish is their ability and their consistency for which they were once known for. The Red Devils are showing little or no method in their mad mix of the notably slow flyers against the verve and confidence of their rivals. The Sir Alex Ferguson’s side that once filled the entire England with their storm of trophies, seemed to have lost their era and forgotten what he taught them.

The results drowned after the legend left the club and handed the leadership to David Moyes, then Louis Van Gaal, and now Jose Mourinho, making a tally of 2 Community shields and 1 FA Cup. It is quite a shame for a club like Manchester United, who has failed to meet their own benchmark.

Loss To Watford

For a team with some of the best players in Europe, Manchester United’s latest league performance in their 3-1 defeat by Watford was nowhere near the level anyone would expect.

United were sloppy and they did simple things badly – like losing runners, or kicking 30-yard passes straight out of play. These are the basics for top-quality teams. United lacked pace and width which surely does not come from signing players.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both were coming inside, creating no space for Rooney or Pogba to finch the ball. Valencia, who likes to pick the ball from the back and runs along the line and cross, did not help United even this time.

The Rooney Conundrum 

The misfit Rooney is still unable to find a position for himself. Seven games later Rooney was back in midfield against Watford alongside Paul Pogba. He delivered what is now expected out of him. He was completely unable to set up a tempo, create chances, make space for others or threaten the goal keeper. Rooney lacked everything you look in an attacking mid-fielder in one of the big sides.

Since taking over, Mourinho has talked and hinted about phasing out Rooney slowly, the same what he did with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole during his reign at Chelsea. Though politically all of this will sound sense to most of the people, fans are still unable to figure out what is there for Rooney in Mourinho’s Manchester or who will be the paradigm leading the midfield with Pogba.

Marquee Signings Not Up To Mark

Buying big time players like Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, didn’t solve their problem. What United always wanted and is still lacking are young players with ability to hold the midfield and supply their rated strikers. Plus an experienced defending line with a conscience on the field.

It seemed like United don’t have a set game plan for their future. The basic problem which the Reds have been facing is their midfield and their ability to create chance by cutting in from inside, but all the three managers failed to go with the basics.

It seems like Manager Mourinho is wrestling with his first crisis at Old Trafford after losing three games in eight days. It is understood Mourinho reckons he is still dealing with the fall-out from predecessor Van Gaal’s reign six games into his debut season.

Like everyone else, Mourinho too believes the players are still crippled by the rigid style of play under their old mentor.

What we all know is that there is a storm of challenges coming up for Mourinho and he still needs to train his players mentally and physically if they want to challenge the top ends.

Picture Courtesy: PA Photos