Jose Mourinho has been criticised for dull performances, under-performing signings and a dismal exit from Europe – but how have Manchester United progressed under his management? We check the stats…
Jose Mourinho appointment as Manchester United manager in the summer of 2016 stirred optimism at Old Trafford, with supporters hoping the ‘Special One’ could reinvigorate the club after difficult seasons under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal.
However, after winning the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League in his first campaign, Mourinho has received criticism in 2017/18 for deploying defensive tactics, failing to get the most out of blockbuster signings and being dumped out of the Champions League by Sevilla.
Following that defeat, the manager’s frustrations at a perceived lack of respect for his work boiled over, with a 12-minute rant during a press conference making headlines. Mourinho urged supporters for patience and perspective.
So how does Mourinho’s style, tactics and results compare with Van Gaal’s efforts two seasons ago? Does he deserve criticism – or is the rebuilding work on course? We examine the stats…
FORM & RESULTS
United have spent 24 of their 30 matchdays in second place in the Premier League table this season, assuming top spot briefly for the first five weeks of the season and only temporarily slipping into third place in late December.
That’s a significant improvement on their sixth-place finish last season and also a step up on the fifth-place finish Van Gaal secured the year before.
Man Utd stats, per 90 mins
| Stat | 2015/16 | 2017/18 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 1.7 | 2.2 |
| Goals | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| Goals conceded | 0.9 | 0.8 |
However, one of the main sources of criticism has stemmed from several dour performances and poor results against fellow top-six clubs.
Despite producing a superior points-per-game ratio this term, United have claimed fewer points against their big rivals – collecting an average of 1.6 per game compared with 1.8 under Van Gaal.
Mourinho has overseen four victories out of eight against top-six opposition in the league this season, collecting a point at Liverpool and losing to Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Man Utd stats against top-six opposition, per 90 mins
| Stat | 2015/16 | 2017/18 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 1.8 | 1.6 |
| Goals | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| Goals conceded | 1.0 | 1.0 |
With the exception of below-par results against big rivals, the graph below reveals an ascending consistency of form, having failed to hit a slump this term – like those suffered in the winter of 2015 and last summer.
According to the Sky Sports Power Rankings, United’s 3-0 win at Leicester in February last year was their best team performance in the Premier League over the past three seasons.
Other high-scoring results this season include wins against West Ham, Swansea (both August), Everton (in September and January), Crystal Palace (September), Arsenal (December) and Stoke (January).
