5 players Mourinho has improved at United & 3 who have regressed
Jose Mourinho did not have the dream start he would have envisaged to life at Old Trafford, but his Manchester United have improved in recent months and have picked up their first trophy under the Portuguese manager in lifting the EFL Cup.
They are still in the Europa League so, despite a top 4 finish still looking touch and go, this could well be a successful first season for Mourinho. His impact has been evident, with certain players emerging to put in some much improved showings compared to last season.
There are others, however, who Mourinho has been unwilling to even give a chance to despite the patchy form. It seems unlikely that they will earn a reprieve, with Morgan Schneidelin and Memphis Depay having left he club in the January window.
Players like Anthony Martial and Henrik Mkhitaryan are coming into form now, but the credit Mourinho deserves is debateable as he was unwilling to play them initially.
Improved
Despite not featuring in the Premier League until the 23rd October in the 4-0 loss to Chelsea, Rojo has impressed in the red shirt this season since he would brought in from the cold. His ability on the ball has never been in doubt with a pass completion rating of 84% and creating 5 chances from centre-back.
Averaging 8,92 clearances per 90, compared to 2,74 last season, also shows just how more effectively he is defending under the Portuguese manager.
Playing alongside the ball-playing Rojo has led to a reprieve for Jones, whose Old Trafford career looked in jeopardy just weeks ago. Jones in now able to concentrate on what he does best, and that is defending; averaging 11 defensive actions per 90 and winning 70% of his duels.
United have kept 3 clean sheets in his last 6 Premier League starts, and he has yet to feature on a losing team. Jones' Manchester United career looked over a few months ago, but that is no longer the case.
Herrera has been Manchester United's most consistent player this season and has become the midfield general Mourinho is happy to trust. His absolutely tireless work rate means that he has completed the most interceptions of any United player with 70, and the most tackles with 52.
Herrera is also more than competent on the ball, averaging the most passes per 90 at the club with 70,17. United fans are now seeing the best of the Spaniard in either of Mourinho's preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
Due to their previously bad working relationship, many though Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford meant curtains for Mata's career there. This has certainly not been the case; trusted to play in a variety of positions Mata has scored 6 goals for United and created 32 chances.
Mkhitaryan's emergence into the fold may restrict Mata's game-time in the immediate future, but there is no doubt that his manager values his part to play in the squad.
Valencia's transformation from winger to full-back had been a stuttering one until Mourinho arrived at Manchester, and now he has made the spot his own. He has completed 33 take-ons at 62% and created 27 chances, but his attacking talent has never been in doubt.
At the back, however, he has been solid too winning 46% of his tackles and making 106 defensive actions. His form has lead to a year extension of his contract being activated.
Regressed
The English left-back is seemingly not rated by Mourinho, and has made just 6 Premier League starts this season, and none since October. Despite being short of options in that position, the manager chose to play Rojo in the EFL Cup Final over the former Southampton man, who is now said to be desperate to leave the club over what he perceives to be "unfair treatment".
Being one of Bayern Munchen and Germany's greatest ever players is seemingly not enough to get you into this Old Trafford. Like Schneiderlein, there seems to be no way in for the 32-year-old, with Fellaini then Carrick consistently chosen ahead of him. It looks like a move away from the Premier League beckons.
Having initially been one of Jose Mourinho's starting players at the beginning of the season, the Manchester United and England captain has gradually become a periphery figure.
He hasn't started a Premier League game in 2017 and, whilst he rejected advances from the Chinese Super League in this window, it is looking more and more likely that the future of Wayne Rooney lies away from Old Trafford.
Last edited by beavis; 19-03-2017 at 13:21.
Pogba set to miss West Bromwich clash
Manchester United are set to be without Paul Pogba again when they host West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.
Pogba has already missed United's match against Middlesbrough and France's games against Luxembourg and Spain since injuring his hamstring in the Europa League tie against FC Rostov 2 weeks ago.
The world-record signing will not recover in time to take on West Bromwich, meaning coach Jose Mourinho is expecting to be without 5 regular starters against Tony Pulis' side at Old Trafford.
Immediately after his injury, Pogba - who has already racked up 41 appearances in all competitions for United - thanked supporters for their well-wishes and vowed to be "Pogback" soon.
Mourinho is already without suspended duo Ander Herrera and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while England defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones sustained injuries during the international break.
Smalling and Jones out long-term
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are out with "long-term injuries", but Wayne Rooney is in line to face West Bromwich on Saturday.
Smalling pulled out of the England squad after playing in a friendly defeat to Germany, while Jones sustained a toe problem after a challenge from his team-mate in training with his country.
Rooney has not played since the start of March with a knee injury but could feature against the Baggies at Old Trafford this weekend, when Paul Pogba (hamstring) will miss out.
Despite injuries and suspensions - Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are banned - stacking up, Mourinho emphasised the need to focus on those who he can call upon.
United have not lost in the Premier League since October and sit fifth, with 2 games and 4 points to make up on 4th place Liverpool.
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United to welcome back Valencia
Manchester United are expecting to have Antonio Valencia back for their Europa League quarter-finals match against Anderlecht.
Valencia has missed 2 matches with an ankle problem but Jose Mourinho is counting on him for Thursday's first leg in Belgium.
Sergio Romero is set to continue in goal after David de Gea missed Sunday's 3-0 Premier League win at Sunderland with a minor hip injury, while United's other absentees - Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Juan Mata and captain Wayne Rooney - are all still out.
Valencia has played 35 matches across all competitions for United this season.
Carrick rules out Newcastle move
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has ruled out a move to Newcastle United at the end of the season and has suggested he could hang up his boots once his time at Old Trafford comes to an end.
The 35-year-old's contract with United is due to expire in June and no decision has been made on his future at the club as of yet.
He grew up a Newcastle fan, but he has conceded he will never ply his trade at St. James' Park.
"No, I think that has passed now", Carrick told MOTD Magazine when asked about a potential transfer to Newcastle.
"When I was a kid I was supporting Newcastle, I dreamt one day I would do but I count myself very fortunate to have played for Manchester United for so long."
"It is just one of those things where you cannot have everything. If and when I finish at Manchester United, that will probably be it I think."
"I am not getting ahead of myself, I have been here for so long and I have enjoyed it, I will not be playing for another club in England that is for sure."
Rooney to miss United's clash with Anderlecht
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has been left out of the squad to face Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.
The 31-year-old has missed the last 2 Premier League games with ankle problems and has not travelled with the team for the first leg in Brussels.
Goalkeeper David de Gea is in the squad despite missing the 3-0 Premier League win over Sunderland last Sunday, although it is expected that Sergio Romero will keep his place in the team.
Mata set to miss rest of season
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is set to miss the remainder of the season following groin surgery.
The Spain international had an operation last month but had hoped to play again this term.
However, United manager Jose Mourinho confirmed the 28-year-old, who joined from Chelsea in January 2014, would not be fit until the end of May.
Defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling will not return until mid-May, Mourinho added.
The Premier League season ends on 21 May.
CE MECI 2-0
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Pogba ruled out of Manchester derby
Paul Pogba will miss the Manchester derby on Thursday due to injury, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
The France international was taken off in the closing stages of United's 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday, with Mourinho admitting he was unsure if the problem was simply muscle fatigue or a more serious concern.
Although he would not specify the nature of the injury, Mourinho has now said that Pogba will be unavailable for the trip to the Etihad Stadium this week.
United are already without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo, who have knee ligament injuries, while Juan Mata is yet to recover from groin surgery.
Shaw to miss rest of season
Luke Shaw is to miss the rest of the season with the foot injury sustained in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Swansea City, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
The England defender hobbled off after just 9 minutes of the contest at Old Trafford, with Mourinho stating after the match that he expected Shaw to have a "big injury".
Shaw is now set for further assessment on his injury and will play no part in United's run-in as they attempt to secure a place in the top 4 of the Premier League and win the Europa League.
It marks further frustration for the 21-year-old, who has been in and out of the first-team this season, with Mourinho openly criticising his performances and desire to fight for the cause with his persistent injury struggles.
United agree personal terms with Lindelof
Man United have agreed personal terms with Benfica defender Victor Lindelof.
The 22-year-old Sweden international was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
Reports emerged this week that Jose Mourinho is expected to finally get his man this summer.
And, according to The Gambling Times, United struck a deal with Lindelof months ago.
I's claimed Old Trafford chiefs are in talks with their Benfica counterparts over a deal.
The Portuguese club are looking for around £50 million while United are reportedly now prepared to spend in excess of £40 million.
Mourinho is set to be backed in the transfer market with a £300 million war chest in a bid to turn the team into title contenders.
He is on the hunt for a new centre-back to partner Eric Bailly.
The United manager has had to chop and change his defence with Bailly, Smalling, Jones and Rojo all spending lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Lindelof, who extended his Benfica contract in March until 2021, has made 45 appearances in all competitions this season.
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