Jose Mourinho: What's going on – and does he want to get out of Man Utd?

A month ago, England was waiting for a World Cup semi-final and training pre-season of the big European clubs was just beginning. The round match against Real Madrid had a major question mark.

Gareth Bale would be involved. Fast forward four weeks and, although England has not found its utopia, Bale is quite happy, laughing and joking with his Real teammates in Miami, his short-term future at Bernabeu ensured by a new coach Julen Lopetegui

But while they're getting ready for Wednesday's game, the question mark on United remains.

Manager Jose Mourinho's comments in the labyrinth of the Michigan Stadium's halls Saturday after a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool were born.

question. What's happening with Mourinho and Manchester United?

Why does Mourinho seem so unhappy?

In front of the cameras, Mourinho has not been a jovial character for quite some time.

Something – probably the scars with the Madrid media during his time as a real leader – arrived between his first stint at Chelsea and his second. Whatever it is, he removed the public generosity of the self-proclaimed "Special One".

Nevertheless, the magnitude of the targets that he drew at his post-match press conference 10 minutes after the defeat at Liverpool

He lamented the absence of top players, decried the standard of some of the youngest who are here, thought nostalgically about a transfer target that he will not receive, pointed out the inactivity of the one he's hoping again, expressed He asked defender Eric Bailly to intervene to replace another player. senior player – Chris Smalling – on the weekend, then immediately dismissed Ivorian as a leader. Addressing United's television channel, he accused new captain Antonio Valencia of coming back from his summer holidays out of shape. In addition, he ridiculed the standard of a referee who gave two penalties against his team.

A broad description is a good description.

The key point is this: Does Mourinho have a growing sense of discontent? is he trying to argue points, or is he trying to divert the attention of a heavy defeat in the hands of a great rival?

If it's the last of those, it's a well-established managerial tactic. The middle one could go both ways. But if it's the first one, then a stereotypical third-grade explosion – the type Mourinho always rejects if asked – is on the way.

Is his relationship with the club tense?

There are two reactions to what Mourinho did on Saturday.

One must raise an eyebrow, say that it is typical of him, express his sympathy for his situation and go ahead.

That's exactly what a number of influential people do at the club. After all, the Portuguese signed a new contract in January that not only improved its terms, but extended its mandate until 2020.

The relationship between Mourinho and Executive Vice President Ed Woodward was described in repeatedly as strong by both men, presumably the potential conflict areas in the summer transfer transactions would have been covered in the negotiations. It is also likely that a vision for the near future would have been agreed upon. Why would this change suddenly because a transfer target was missed – which is only what happened the previous two summers?

Another perspective, and there are other long-standing figures leaning towards that, is Mourinho wants to go out and that's the beginning of his exit strategy

This is certain: for the first time in his illustrious managerial career, Mourinho will not have Rui Faria at his side this season.

been inseparable since Mourinho named Faria – a man whom he describes as "a brother" – badistant to Uniao Leiria in 2001.

However, last season, Faria – felt that he did not see enough of his family and exhausted by the pressures of daily engagement at the top of the game – decided to take a break.

Mourinho chose not to bring a direct replacement. In Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna, he has added both a club pillar who has great knowledge of the game and an appetite to learn, and someone whose reputation both United and the previous Tottenham is huge

points behind rivals Manchester City – whose manager Pep Guardiola rivals Mourinho for the title of best manager of their generation – and have not done much to suggest that the gap can be closed, Saturday's comments are interpreted by those who have adopted the exit The theory of strategies is the beginning of a long goodbye

United he risk falling behind his rivals?

The only midfielder from United so far this summer is Brazilian midfielder Fred. Another central defender is expected, but remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, both men will be among the top six players United has ever bought.

Of the other four, only Argentine striker Angel di Maria longer at the club. In midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Anthony Martial, there are still two who have not managed to stay at the highest level.

Mourinho was not responsible for the arrival of Martial de Monaco. His point of view is that the Frenchman is missing at decisive moments, hence his concern to sign the Croatian Ivan Perisic, last summer, from Inter Milan

the defender Victor Lindelof and striker Bailly. Alexis Sanchez – for a combined amount of just under 100 million pounds. They have not yet had a significant impact on Old Trafford

At the same time, there is an element of unknown about all the major rivals of Manchester United

. Only Mohammed Mahrez, striker of probably no need. Tottenham has not yet signed anybody. The most expensive addition to Arsenal from the brief period of Unai Emery right up here is Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira who, at £ 26m, cost just over half £ 47m United spent on Fred. Chelsea did not even name his new manager, Maurizio Sarri, until the pre-season training started.

Of all the major clubs, Liverpool are the ones who seem to have a great momentum towards the front. Yet three of their four major signatures – midfielders Naby Keita and Fabinho, and goalkeeper Alisson – have never played in the Premier League.

So, while it's easy to believe that United is backing down, it can be said that Mourinho In addition to the players he's already invested a lot, they will not be far off the grand prix

Does that mean for United's season?

As with all clubs, results can quickly change perceptions.

The Red Devils open the Premier League as a whole when they entertain Leicester on August 10

Mourinho has already pointed out how much easier the editing of the new campaign has been for Foxes boss Claude Puel. his players were at the World Cup in Russia.

That's right. But Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire were absent from England until the semifinal, and Mahrez was sold.

Are they going to cause a surprise on the day of opening? Maybe not; TonyCottee was the winner of the game at Old Trafford in 1998.

The Foxes may have won the Premier League more recently than United, but nothing that has happened since suggests that they are close to the first . The Mourinho team is able to take advantage at home

After that, United made round trips to Brighton and Burnley, who could enter the game after a sixth consecutive appearance Thursday night in Europa League.

Between these two games on the outside is a Monday night date with Tottenham on August 27th. In addition to not having signed before this summer, Spurs had eight players in the last weekend of the World Cup, against seven for United.

So of all the big clubs that should be fighting for top honors, the Spurs are in a worse situation than any United in their preparation for what awaits them.

While Arsenal will play matches against Manchester City and Chelsea over the first two weekends, he will leave Liverpool as the only "big six"

While Mourinho has legitimate reasons to complain Of the difficulties that he has to overcome, most of his managerial adversaries find themselves in a similar position.

By the time Burnley's trip is over and the season of the best flights will stop for his first international break, we will know a lot more about where United – and everyone else Elsewhere – are really.

From there, Mourinho's statements will have more meaning.