Manchester United were dull but does Mourinho have a duty to entertain?

The Sevilla stalemate drew mention of betraying United’s identity. José Mourinho is entitled to play the way he believes will get results but football should be about more than success

Some Manchester United fans saw a wonderful game in Seville, it just wasn’t the one their team played in. A handful of supporters made the most of their team’s Champions League match, travelling to Spain early, and on Sunday they were at the Benito Villamarín with 50,000 others to see Real Betis lose 5-3 to Real Madrid. Three days later and three-and-a-half kilometres away they were among the 40,000 who watched United draw 0-0 at the Sánchez Pizjuán, on a night when their team had one shot on target.

There is something about Betis. Sunday was the second time they had been involved in a 5-3. There have also been two 5-0s, a 4-0, two 2-2s, two 3-2s, a 6-3 and a 4-4. Oh, and a victory at the Bernabéu. There have been no 0-0s. When it comes to Spanish football, there is a basic rule worth adhering to, whoever you support, always watch Betis. It is not one many would apply to United, because if what happened on Sunday was predictable, Wednesday evening probably was too.

Nor should United necessarily be obliged by what Liverpool, City and Spurs do, although the contrast may be cruel

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