The curious case of Jose Mourinho and his 3rd season jinx

When Manchester United lifted the Europe League trophy in Stockholm in May 2017, the exuberant fans believed it was the moment when United re-announced themselves as a powerhouse in Europe.
Fast forward 15 months and the club looks to be in complete disarray.
Even though Jose Mourinho will argue that a second place finish in a campaign where their 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City ran away with the title in itself was an achievement.
But, critics and fans alike will remember the season for the poor brand of football clubbed with the team exiting the Champions League at an early stage and losing the FA Cup final to a Chelsea side whose struggling manager (Antonio Conte) was sacked a while later. Not a season to brag or fondly remember about.
Add to it the club had a disastrous transfer window this summer with Mourinho missing out on his priority targets. With Fred the only regular first team addition to the squad, it's safe to pardon the die-hard Mourinho fans for having a deja vu feeling.
It seems all too familiar for Mourinho at his third season - a season starting with the manager making most of the noise than the fans at the stadium.
Every time when Mourinho begins to blame everyone and everything and gets into the whole world-is-against-us ideology, one can smell the inevitable disastrous third season coming back to haunt him.
It happened twice with Chelsea, once with Real Madrid and now with United it looks all so familiar.
He will surely do everything he possibly can to stop the history from repeating itself, but for that he has to first change his perception at which he looks at the club and the challenge that lies ahead of him
Yes, United had a terrible window, yes their rivals strengthened their squads, but for years Alex Ferguson managed to achieve so much with his Manchester United team without getting his wish in the transfer window.
Even recently one can look at Zinedine Zidane's all conquering Real Madrid squad. He hardly made any big signings during his near 3-year tenure, but his side was virtually unstoppable, winning 3 Champions League titles on the bounce.
If one takes a closer look at things, then they will notice that this current squad is far better than any of the sides Manchester United has had since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club at the end of 2009 season.
Mourinho has signed 3 midfielders, 2 centre-forwards (although one in Zlatan Ibrahimovic left), 2 world-class attackers (again one in Henrikh Mkhitaryan left) and 2 centre-backs in the last three years. He virtually got a new team full of superstars.
Even comparing to the team which started the opening week last season, United are in a better shape with an extra midfielder in Fred and a world-class winger in Alexis Sanchez (who was signed in January) in their squad.
With that side, United started last season on a positive note, winning 4-0 in their opening weekend. Although the team's performance slowly faded, the squad was brimming with confidence at the beginning of the campaign.
Taking that into account the current squad should be in a better position than last campaign and should be gearing up for the new season in all conquering manner. So I, as a Manchester United fan, will not accept that we are in a complete turmoil.
Mourinho can argue about the injuries to Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera, but they have perfect replacements in youngsters such as Andreas Pereira and Scott Mctominay - a luxury he did not have last season.
So Mourinho should forget the transfer window fiasco and his past failing at this stage and rather should concentrate on making the most of what he has at his disposal.
At hindsight Mourinho knows his prolonged stay at the club is not all about winning the league and the Champions League title this season. If the club can show some sort of an improvement and provide a decent challenge to the eventual leader at the top, then that might just be enough for him to survive his 3rd season jinx.
So the challenge is simple for you Jose - improve the style of play, try to improve or atleast match the points tally in the Premier League and have a better European campaign - then the job is yours again come this time next season.

False Dawn for Manchester United

Was the pre-season a false dawn ??????

Winning all the five pre-season games meant that Manchester United have finally found a way to overcome there last season debacle. However, after seeing the way United played their first league match makes everyone wonder was the pre-season a false dawn????

It all looked rosy for United when the disastrous spell under David Moyes came to an end and it became even better when Louis Van Gaal was appointed as the manager of arguably the most watched footballing club in the world.

After seeing the way LVG dispatch their opponents in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, where he lead his home nation Dutch to a respectable third place, the expectations of United fans reached sky high. But, reality struck again in the form of Swansea city in the opening day after Manu lost 2-1 to them at Old Trafford in the premier league.

Their disastrous run at Old Trafford continues, after losing seven matches at home (where they lost only five times in the previous three seasons) last season, they started the new season in a similar disappointing way.

This situation underlines the fact that this may not be a quick fix for United. Despite appointing one of the best managers in the world right now, fans have to be patient if they want to see United return to the helm, which they enjoyed for such a long time under their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

There might be a bigger problem then what appears in the eye for United. The squad looked mediocre last season and many wondered was it Moyes failure to get the best of it, but seeing the team play in the opening match, it makes us wonder have the best days of these players are behind them???

This even more underlines the fact that how good Sir Alex's man management skills was, as he was able to transfer such an average team into an all conquering group.

No matter how many record breaking transfers Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward pulls off this summer, the problems at United does not look like a quick fix. Patience is the key for United supporters if they want to see their club at the top of the league again.

Van is the man behind Netherlands success in Brazil 2014

Van Gaal's tactical intelligence has taken Dutch one step closer to the promise land

By R Karthik

Salvador: World Cup has seen many star individuals like Pele, Maradona, Cruyff take the limelight in the past, but never has anyone accepted the phrase 'One man team' in a sport which consist of eleven players. If Dutch does manage to lift the famous old trophy on 13th July, then they will definitely be termed as a one man team and the man will be their coach Louis Van Gaal.

Starting from the incredible odd formation which he put in place against the defending world champions Spain in the opening group match to the last minute substitution of  taking the goal keeper who played for 120 minutes for a second choice keeper for the penalty shootout against Costa Rica in the quarter-finals, he has been the main reason behind Dutch success in this year's World Cup.

When Kevin Strootman, AS Roman midfielder who was the heart of Dutch midfield was ruled out of the World Cup, Van Gaal switched from their usual 4-3-3 to 5-3-2 formation, as he felt that he had no player of the calibre to replace the Dutch no.6. Hence, Holland faced the defending champions Spain in a rather unfamiliar formation of 5-3-2 with De Vrij, Vlaar and Martins Indi played at the back and Jamnaat and Blind played as wing backs. De Jong, Sneijder and Guzman occupied the middled and their captain Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben played up front.

The tactics worked incredibly well as Netherlands destroyed Spain 5-1. Hence Van Gaal decided to stay with the same formation in their next match against Australia. However, as Australia went 2-1 up in the second half, they switched to 3-4-3 by bringing on young Memphis Depay who scored the winner as dutch came from behind to beat Austarlia 3-2.

In the next match against Chile, Netherlands again started with the same 5-3-2 formation. As the match remained goalless, Van Gaal once again switched to a 3-4-3 formation. Yet again late goals from substitutes Leroy Fer and Depay helped them get a late 2-0 victory.

Then came Mexico in the round of 16, during which Van Gaal switched from Plan A to Plan B and finally to Plan C to help the Dutch win the match in the last few minutes.

Dutch started in their usual 5-3-2 against Mexico, but nothing got going for Netherlands in the first half. After Mexico took the lead early in the second half, Dutch switched to 3-4-3, by bring on Depay, but still nothing changed. Hence, Van Gaal who is not afraid to make big decisions took off their star front man and captain Van Persie and brought on Huntelaar in the second half cooling break during the 75th minute. Dirk Kuyt, who started as left wing back was moved to right back in the same match and then was asked to play up front with Huntelaar.

After that switch, Dutch ignored their total football style and started to hit long diagonal crosses from the left side with Kuyt and Huntelaar as targets. That change proved dividends, as Dutch won a corner through one of the long balls from which Sneijder equalised late on and substitute Huntelaar scored a 94th minute penalty to help the Dutch reach the quarter finals.

Against Costa Rica in the quarter finals, Holland surprisingly started in a 3-4-3 formation and stuck with it right till the second half of extra-time even though it did not work out. Van Gaal finally took off one of the centre back's Martins Indi and brought on Huntelaar as Dutch switched to a traditional 4-4-2 in the 105th minute.

Although that wasn't the master move, it was when he took off their keeper Jasper Cillessen in the 120th minute and replaced him with Newcastle United's Tim Krul for the shoot out. The move which raised eyebrows paid its reward as Krul cruelly saved two penalties from Cost Rican players to bring their dream World Cup run to an end. Thereby helping Dutch reach there second successive World Cup semifinals where they will play two time winners Argentina.

Dutch has reached finals three times in the past, but has never won the World Cup. With a tactical genius in Louis Van Gaal at their dressing room, Holland fans may finally believe this may be their year.

Ends

Tournament of shockers finally saw the big guns progress through to the next round

Big Guns Have Finally Made It Through

Brasil 2014: In a World Cup that has so far regarded as a tournament for the underdogs, the remaining heavy weights finally pulled themselves together to reach the last eight. Brasil 2014 has been identified by many as the World Cup of shockers, after many big teams were forced to packed their bags and leave home as soon as the group stages.

The likes of 1966 World Cup winner England, four-time World Cup winner Italy and another European heavy weight Portugal have gone home early. But, nothing gets bigger than the defending world champion Spain's elimination.

Spain had a dream few years, when they won the 2008 Euros, 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros. However the team many branded as one of the pre-tournament favourites was knocked out within a week the the tournament had started. Holland trashed them 5-1 in their opening match and then an inspired Chile beat them convincingly in the next match to make them the first ever defending champions to lose both of their opening games.

Also another surprise package was the minnows Costa Rica, who was placed in the group of death along side the previous World Cup winners Italy, England and Uruguay shocked the entire world to top the group by beating both Uruguay and Italy before playing out a draw in a meaningless game against England. They have carried their good form into the knock out stage as they progressed to the last eight in penalties against the 2004 European champions Greece.

With the platform being perfectly laid on for the underdogs, the so called heavy weights finally manged to pull themselves together to reach the quarter finals of Brazil 2014. Having said that the minnows did not get themselves eliminated without a fight.

Five of the eight last-16 matches needed extra time to find the winners. Among the five, two required the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The hosts, five time World Cup winners Brasil themselves needed a shootout to see off the well organised Chile.

Holland needed a late equaliser from Sneijder and an even later heroic dive from Robben in the dying seconds of normal time to win a penalty, which was converted by Huntelaar to help the Dutch reach the last eight.

France, 1998 World Cup winner also required a late goal keeper error for Pogba to score and an own goal in injury time to help them get past a resilient Nigeria. Last of the least Brasil's fiercest rival Argentina needed an 118th minute goal from Angel Di Maria to beat Switzerland.

So finally we have the last eight, with each match consisting atleast one of the so called tournament heavyweights the neutral fans will have some thing to cheer about. Even though the big guns have made it through to the last eight, the so called lesser teams can take a lot of heart from the way the tournament as gone so far. Thereby the likes of Colombia and Costa Rica can face their opponents without much fear in the last eight which starts on Friday.

The German Slayer

     Arsenal's battling victory in Germany may have provided them with only 3 points, but across the footballing world this result might have got them back into the contention for top honors. A year ago everyone was laughing at arsenal, from managers to players, from critics to fans, but the way arsenal started this season will just make everyone think again. Arsenal fine performance in their domestic league keeps them at the top of the table in England. But its their away form which impresses everyone, arsenal are unbeaten in 14 away matches, starting from the one when they defeated mighty Bayern last march. They continued that impressive form into the champions league to beat last years finalist Borussia Dortmund in their own backyard. It was by no means a ruthless performance by arsenal, they had to ride their luck at times, in particular at the first half were Dortmund dominated them for speed and agility. It took 62 minutes for Arsenal to have their first real shot in the match, which resulted in the opening goal. Even though the goal came against the run of play, arsenal got a renewed belief which helped the injury hit Arsenal side see past the game in total command. This victory puts arsenal at the top of the group which was regarded by experts as the group of death. It might be too early to call Arsenal a real contender for top honors, but if they replicate the same form in the weekend against the defending champion (Manchester United), then Arsenal might just send a strong message across Europe. Arsenal may not have the greatest of squads, but if they continue to perform in the same fashion, then Wenger's belief in youngsters might just be rewarded with Glory.   

                                                   Back to winning ways

       Crisis, what crisis? Manchester United are back to winning ways after completing a second half comeback to beat Sunderland 2-1. Yesterday, was by no means one of the complete performance from United, but it was a result which United needed so desperately. Ugly victories like these are always required for a team if they seriously want to challenge for the title. It was more about the manner in which United fought back in the 2nd half which pleased the fans, rather than their performance in the match.  It reminded everybody about the United of old, the United under Fergie(Alex Ferguson), the never say die attitude, which helped United register some unbelievable comebacks in the past. That match not just reminded everyone about united's attitude, but also welcomed a young hero in the form of an 18 year old Adnan Januzaj. He was the shining light in an otherwise disappointing first half for Manchester United and he did not stop there, he continued that brilliant form in the second half to be rewarded with 2 goals. His full debut for Manchester United would have reminded everyone about the debut of Wayne rooney, when he scored a hatrick against Fenerbahce. Wayne did not stop their, he went all the way to fulfill his potential. After witnessing Januzj's sparkling debut last night, every single united fan will expect the same from this wonder kid. This result certainly won't prove anything right now but if United can keep up the same attitude in the forthcoming matches then they will go right were they belong, which is at the top of the table.

                                              Slow and steady will win the "Title"

                Manchester United might have just witnessed their worst ever start to a premier league campaign, but everyone got to remember its just the beginning not the end. Manchester United are usually slow starters, they improve as the season goes on. As Sir Alex always says, "Its not the beginning that matters, its how u end the season which really matters", United have always been true to his words, they have always been a second half team. That is the reason why United are the most successful team in the premier league history. So when someone says anything about United they must be careful about the words they use. Their manager might have changed, the backroom staffs might have changed, but one thing which hasn't changed is the  mentality, "Never to give up" attitude as been the secret of success for united. You might question there depth, strength, etc., but one thing you can't doubt is there will! there determination! They might not have the strength which Manchester City or Chelsea have, but what United have is 'Unity' and that will be enough to help them cross over the winning line. As For United fans, there is only one caption, "Live 'United', Die 'United', its Manchester United", in United we always TRUST!!!!!!!!!!!