With all the hullabaloo surrounding Manchester United’s lack of summer transfer activity, I thought I’d check-out all of manager Jose Mourinho’s signings since he took over the reigns at Old Trafford in 2016. 

It will be marks out of five and just my opinion, there’s zero science behind these ratings! 

ERIC BAILLY – 3 

I personally believe the Ivorian is United’s best centre-half and he started off well. Has pace to burn and is good at intercepting the ball.

Problems started when frequent injuries became an issue, he made just thirteen Premier League appearances last term. He’s also never had a consistent defensive partner and that hasn’t helped him settle down and get into a groove. Seems to have lost Jose’s trust and was extremely poor against Brighton and Hove Albion at the start of this season! Needs to get back in the team and prove that he’s the club’s best defender.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC – 3.5

The Swedish superstar might have been thirty-four years of age when he signed for The Red Devils but he soon proved he was good enough for the English top flight. Zlatan was an inspirational leader on the pitch and he was the club’s top scorer with twenty-eight goals in his debut campaign.

Unfortunately a serious knee injury ensured his maiden season finished early and he never returned the same influential talent. He was allowed to leave midway through the next season and he’s now enjoying life with LA Galaxy.

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN – 2.5 

The Armenian international arrived from Borussia Dortmund with a big reputation. From very early on, you could tell that he wasn’t Mourinho’s type of player. The creative spark took time to get up to speed of the English game and only showed flashes what he was capable of.

Scored a sensational scorpion kick goal against Sunderland but couldn’t prove to be a consistent game changer. Was allowed to leave in a swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez, after just a season and a half at Old Trafford. I think it’s hard to really judge Henrikh due to Jose’s reluctance to give him the freedom to shine.

PAUL POGBA – 4 

Pogba returned to Man United to much fanfare and with a hefty £89m price tag. Has shown that when he’s on form that he can dictate games and be a match winner. Has the passing repertoire that can dazzle fans and opponents alike.

His ability can’t be doubted but in truth he should be demanding to be classed as a five out of five signing. He needs to find more consistency in his game and needs to get United challenging for top honours. Won the World Cup with France in the summer producing some top class performances, he needs to do the same with Man Utd.

VICTOR LINDELOF – 2 

The Swede arrived from Benfica last summer for a fee of €35m and it’s fair to say that he’s been an underwhelming performer thus far. Another centre-back that just can’t keep his place in the team, mainly due to the fact that he can’t give strong enough performances.

Makes too many mistakes and looks like a deer caught in headlights anytime he plays. I just get the feeling he won’t be able to turn the tide and be a success with The Red Devils.

ROMELU LUKAKU – 4 

Lukaku on the most part has proved his doubters wrong at Old Trafford. He’s smarter than he’s given credit for and he works incredibly hard for the team.

Had a healthy return of twenty-seven strikes last term but the Belgian will be hoping to beat his tally of sixteen league goals. Probably needs to become more ruthless in front of goal (especially in the big games) before becoming a top hitman and a top United signing.

NEMANJA MATIC – 5 

For me, Matic has probably been Jose Mourinho’s best signing during his United tenure. The Serb gives Man Utd more balance in the midfield area and gives them a defensive spine.

Clearly a foot-soldier that his manager can rely on and a player that will diligently do his job no matter what. Isn’t scared to sacrifice himself for the team and will come out backing his teammates and his manager.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ – 2 

The Chilean was a top class performer at Arsenal but he’s not lived up to the hype. He doesn’t get himself into the positions that can change games and he’s certainly not scoring enough or creating enough for others.

Mourinho has given Alexis plenty of chances to shine but the forward just doesn’t seem to be able to fit into the Man United way of life. Needs to up his performances to become anything but an expensive passenger in the team.

FRED – 3 

The midfielder has started brightly at Manchester Utd after signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer. Scored his first for the club against Wolves recently and also showed he can be a threat from set-pieces.

The Brazilian also has good vision and a strong passing range. Needs to work on his tackling. Will be a success if he continues to improve and impress.

DIOGO DALOT – N/A 

The young Portuguese right-back arrived injured and has since just played the once in the Champions League against Young Boys. In fairness, he did really well on his debut and he could be the longterm successor to Antonio Valencia.

LEE GRANT – N/A 

Surely he’ll only ever be the club’s third choice goalkeeper, meaning we shouldn’t really see much of him. I’m sure he’d be dependable if called upon but will spend most of his time behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero.

All in all, I believe Jose Mourinho’s signings have seen a mixed bag of talent coming through the door. Unfortunately the probably needed a new winger and definitely needed a new central defender this summer and didn’t get those players. Making it harder to judge the squad this term as they clearly can’t be at their strongest. 

Posted on September 24th, 2018 by scott
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