Cricket Exchange analysts believe that Manchester United’s future hinges on one critical decision: giving José Mourinho the time and support he needs. The “Theatre of Dreams” no longer strikes fear into opponents. With four consecutive home draws in the Premier League, the magic of Old Trafford seems to be fading. While sharing points with a top side like Arsenal is excusable, dropping six points at home to Stoke, Burnley, and West Ham is a different story altogether.
Nowadays, teams arrive at Old Trafford believing they can take something away. Under Louis van Gaal’s two-year reign, United players were drilled into a conservative mindset. Mourinho inherited that legacy and now faces the challenge of rewiring how this team thinks and plays. One telling example: when United’s full-backs receive the ball, their instinct is to play it back—exactly what Van Gaal taught. Mourinho needs time to shift those habits.
Cricket Exchange reports that although United aren’t lacking in chances, their finishing is another matter. The team is missing a clinical striker. Zlatan Ibrahimović is a legend, but at 35, he’s no longer at his peak. Wayne Rooney is far from the goal machine he once was and is now struggling even to break into the starting lineup. Youngster Marcus Rashford, once bursting with confidence, now seems hesitant. United are in desperate need of a true number nine—someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy in his prime.
Their defense has also lacked consistency this season. Injuries to key players like Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling have disrupted the backline. While Antonio Valencia has held his ground at right back, questions remain over Luke Shaw’s form on the left. Phil Jones has looked promising at center-back, but neither Marcos Rojo nor Daley Blind have fully convinced Mourinho as long-term solutions. Among summer signings, Bailly and Ibrahimović have been solid, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba have yet to meet expectations.
Mkhitaryan has barely featured, and Pogba—who arrived with a record-breaking fee—has struggled to justify the price tag. That said, both have potential for major improvement. Right now, United don’t look like title contenders. Their priority should be finishing in the top four. Compared to Chelsea, City, and Liverpool, United are still a step behind. But with time and patience, next season could tell a different story. Mourinho is laying the groundwork.
Though the league table doesn’t look pretty, there’s no need to panic. Cricket Exchange observes that the overall quality of United’s play is better than it was last season, and the team chemistry is improving. Mourinho just needs more time. Manchester United are heading in the right direction—one step at a time.