Mourinho deflects United failings after dropped points to Hull City
Following a scoreless draw with relegation threatened Hull, the story should have been about what went wrong on the pitch but, not for the first time, José changed the media narrative.
Mourinho moans: Groundhog Day
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has changed the narrative around the sporting and wider press from an analysis of a poor result to one all about him. Somehow it continues to work so we can expect more of the same going forward.
The most important news from the game at Old Trafford was that a squad made up of some of the most expensively recruited and financed players and coaching staff dropped more points in a season that many had predicted at the start of the season (including the manager indirectly) was a title for the taking. United currently sit 14 points behind the leaders Chelsea. But for fans of the Red Devils who can see through his childish antics, the media deflection can't excuse team selection, tactics and on-field execution.
At his disposal Mourinho has a wealth of talent, but all too often this season the combinations chosen, and the strategical mindset of the team, have fallen well short of expectations. There are many ways to win a football match, and lesser teams often do this by shutting up shop and hitting on the break or playing long, hopeful balls. But United? They have had a good run of results that keeps them in contention for the Champions League positions, but has this just been papering over some cracks?
There are always two managers
Anyway, fortunately Hull City manager, Marco Silva, did speak about the game:
"I am happy," said Silva, whose side were beaten by United in the League Cup semi-finals last week. "The performance showed a good organisation in many moments again. We played as a team and when we needed to suffer, we were ready to suffer.
"The team showed good character, which is important for me, and I am happy."
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Hull might even have emerged victorious had Lazar Markovic's late shot not come back off the post, but Silva conceded victory would have flattered the visitors, who remain in the relegation zone.
"In the second half we improved when we changed to put three centre-backs in and we had good chances," he said. "The first was for Lazar Markovic and then when Abel Hernandez went into the box, but we didn't score. United also had good chances during the match, but I think we deserved the result. It's important for us. It gives confidence for our team and our players, but it is only one point."