Ed Woodward on Jose Mourinho: The Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman has given his verdict on the manager and the squad after a shaky start to the season.
Manchester United are 8th in the Premier League, behind Bournemouth and Watford. The club has lost four Premier League games so far, and were comprehensively beaten 3-1 in the season’s first derby at the Etihad Stadium.
Speculations over squad harmony headlined news stories in English media, and a video of Pogba and Mourinho arguing during a training session made things worse for the club.
However, United made amends in the last few weeks, as even when Manchester City emerged winners at the Etihad Stadium, it didn’t overshadow United’s victory against Juventus at Turin. Moreover, Mourinho’s side also registered wins over Bournemouth and Everton, and would aim to put the loss against City behind them when players regroup after the end of the international break.
Manchester United’s board, meanwhile, released their financial statements for the quarter-year, and club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward also spoke about club’s inconsistent form in the season.
Ed Woodward on Jose Mourinho:
The relationship between both the figures seemingly soured during the summer this season, as Mourinho took potshots at Woodward for lack of transfer activity.
However, Ed Woodward has finally spoken about the manager, as well as the squad, as United released their financial statements.
“Our financial strength enables us to continue to attract and retain top players and to invest in our academy, as we look to drive the success on the pitch that the club and our fans expect,” Woodward said.
Woodward insisted that the manager and squad are fully united and the side is determined to regain momentum in the Premier League.
“On the pitch, we remain well positioned in the Champions League,” Woodward said.
“(and) although we’ve had a mixed start to our domestic campaign, the squad and manager are fully united in their determination to regain our momentum in the Premier League.”
What next?
There have been reports about the Manchester United board losing their faith in Jose Mourinho after the side went down 3-1 against West Ham. However, Mourinho bought time after an emphatic win against Newcastle, where Manchester United came from 0-2 down at halftime to clinch three points at Old Trafford.
The side capitalized on the result and secured further victories against Watford and Bournemouth, who have been impressive in the season. Both the sides, however, are still ahead of Manchester United on goal difference in the league table.
