Anger is in the air at Old Trafford as José Mourinho and his players reflect on another frustrating season and hope the goals return to power a title challengeMichael Carrick pronounced himself “completely disappointed” with Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Anderlecht, neatly summing up what many supporters have been feeling for several seasons. The midfielder’s point was that the game and perhaps even the result over two legs were there for the taking, yet United could not rouse themselves to do what big teams do and make a statement of intent against accommodating opponents. “It was almost too easy at times,” Carrick said. “We weren’t ruthless enough and now we are left with one of those scorelines where it is...
The Chelsea forward scored his 14th league goal of the season at Bournemouth but improvements to his tactical and physical game also caught the eyeIt has not always been this easy for Eden Hazard. His effortless feint then finish against Bournemouth on Saturday was just the latest entry in a showreel teeming with long-lasting contributions to Chelsea’s relentless charge towards the Premier League title. With seven games to go, Hazard might yet decide the outcome of this two-horse race single-handed. Related: Antonio Conte says Spurs’ pressure is bringing the best out of Chelsea Related: Chelsea’s Eden Hazard shows Bournemouth what makes leaders tick Continue reading...
The manager’s withering assessment of a player who cost the club £27m three years ago will probably result in a summer move for the left-backFootball managers do not generally make a habit of offering withering criticisms of their own players, and José Mourinho’s frank admissions about Luke Shaw over the weekend are more likely to signal a parting of the ways than a wake-up call.Phil Neville is among a minority who believe an exasperated manager was merely trying to bring a response through a verbal and highly public kick up the backside, though based on Shaw’s infrequent appearances for Manchester United this season it can be assumed Mourinho ran out of patience with his left-back some time ago. Related: José...
Faced with the club missing out on Champions League football again, Manchester United’s manager makes the point that it is harder to buy successDoes José Mourinho have a point about power being divided in the Premier League, or is the manager of Manchester United simply trying to get his excuses in early?United still have a job on their hands to crack the top four this season, let alone get back to winning titles, and should a third season in four arrive without achieving Champions League football questions are going to be asked about the effectiveness of his stewardship in the light of all the money spent. Perhaps in anticipation of that scenario, Mourinho has just observed that winning anything in...
The Manchester United manager took a leaf from one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s old books but Ander Herrera’s red card changed the game and there are signs Antonio Conte has plans to counteract a back-six strategyThe problem with facing Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, as so many Premier League managers have discovered this season, is that their front three becomes a front five. In Monday night’s FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge, José Mourinho responded by effectively deploying a back six.Chelsea have overloaded the opposition frequently this season thanks to Eden Hazard and Pedro (or, in this case, Willian) drifting inside to positions close to Diego Costa, allowing Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses to push forward aggressively down the outside. Opponents are...