Three men other than Mourinho to blame for Man United’s inconsistency

Manchester United have been joined by 18 other Premier League clubs in being dwarfed by champions Manchester City in 2017-18.

Pep Guardiola’s side is undoubtedly gifted, but the most-prevalent feature of English football’s best team this term has been their painstaking consistency.

United have been City’s closest challengers and look set to finish second in the Premier League this season, while the Old Trafford club are also through to the FA Cup final.

However, Jose Mourinho’s men have also been guilty of inconsistency, especially at home, with dropped points against the division’s lower clubs costing the Red Devils a title challenge.

The United manager has copped a lot of criticism in the media because of this, with the side’s style of play also questioned.

But, despite this, Mourinho is not the only culpable party - here are three other men at fault for United’s inconsistency.

 

Paul Pogba

The France international midfielder is a superstar on his day and at times this season the former Juventus man has been one of the Premier League’s best.

Mercurially talented with the ball at his feet and physically capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck, Pogba is United’s driving force when he is in the mood.

The French central midfielder has played a critical role in some of his side’s major wins this season, including scoring a brace in the 3-2 win over City at the Etihad Stadium recently.

However, Pogba has struggled to be at his best over long periods of time and has been virtually anonymous in some fixtures where his team needed him.

Mourinho’s discipline has curbed the midfielder’s natural inclination to get forward at will, but a player of Pogba’s quality is capable of much more.

The United fans will hope that the French star can lead the club towards a title challenge next season.

 

Alexis Sanchez

United made quite the statement in January by beating City to Sanchez’s signature in January, with the Chile international signed to provide an additional attacking impetus in a side that can be one-dimensional at times.

The South American’s arrival has taken opportunities away from Anthony Martial, with the French forward most-commonly utilised as a substitute in the second half of the campaign.

Sanchez was a sensation at Arsenal over a number of seasons, with the Chilean devastating when operating from the left wing.

Despite playing in the same position for his new club, the January signing has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and has rarely contributed goals or assists.

Sanchez has obviously felt the pressure at United and there is an argument to suggest that the starting XI is stronger without him in it.

The Chilean’s muted performances have impacted on the Red Devils’ chances of success and he must harbour some of the blame for the side’s inconsistency.

 

Chris Smalling

United have been able to boast one of the Premier League’s most-miserly defences this season, with the pragmatic Mourinho basing his side around a steadfast rearguard.

Despite this, the Red Devils have been susceptible to errors at the back, largely down to the personnel in defence being changed regularly.

One man that has started 26 Premier League games but who has been hot and cold in recent months is Chris Smalling.

The 28-year-old has been a loyal servant at United and someone the club has relied on since he moved to Manchester from Fulham in 2010.

But, Smalling has been guilty of mistakes this season and his positional sense at times leaves the side exposed.

With Mourinho sure to dip into the transfer market this summer in a bid to strengthen his squad, a new centre-half of stature would be a welcome addition.

 

Written by Gareth McKnight

Follow Gareth on Twitter @90MinsOnline

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