What a difference a few weeks can make.
It wasn’t long ago that pundits and rival fans alike were dismissing Jose Mourinho as yesterday’s man, whilst Manchester United supporters were resigning themselves to another season of topsy-turvy transition.
Jose’s men were struggling to find consistent form; Henrikh Mkhitaryan was nowhere to be seen; Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goals had dried up; Paul Pogba was being roundly mocked (not by United fans to be fair); and Eric Bailly’s injury spelt disaster.
Fast-forward to this week and there is renewed optimism and admiration for what Mourinho is starting to build at the club. The unfancied centre-half pairing of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones is working a treat, and the Red Devils look a very different proposition going forward.
Suddenly the likes of Zlatan, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Martial and Mata (although notably not Wayne Rooney) look a match for anyone. It is a collection of talents that boast verve, versatility, speed, power and potency. And behind them there is of course the solid base of Herrera and Carrick.
Six consecutive league victories in a row have given United fans that most dangerous of emotions – hope. And whisper it around Old Trafford, but there’s even talk of them potentially winning the title this season.
Rival fans may mock and point to the fact that Mourinho’s men remain in sixth place, but they are now just three points off fourth place – and ten points off the summit. Is it too early to dream of winning the league? Probably. But that hasn’t stopped a growing number of their support from dreaming…
I want spurs to win tonight because I still think we can win the league #THFCvCFC #mufc
— Sam N Arch (@DomsM65) January 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/mawutd/status/817004241562673155
https://twitter.com/martial50mill/status/816759563907121152
Mourinho's Mindset WILL win us the league.
— ManUtdMindset (@ManUtdMindset) January 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/deola_O/status/816761834837573632
If UTD somehow win the league from this point..imagine the scenes on final day..Mourinho knee sliding in front of the Stretford End..🙏🏼
— King Mani (@ffsManiJ) January 4, 2017
I Believe if we keep this run going win next 4 or 5 games we can win league this year. Up to players to keep winning
— Paul Savage (@PaulSav95802167) January 5, 2017
I honestly think we can still win the league.
— Sosa (@iamkESter) January 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/BayerNeverlu53n/status/816791904083963904
From the look of things….Jose Mourinho will win the another league tittle before Wenger.
— Moss Segakweng (@moss_segakweng) January 4, 2017
