Readers back Manchester United move to sack Jose Mourinho

Yahoo Sport UK readers have overwhelmingly backed Manchester United’s decision to sack manager Jose Mourinho Tuesday morning.

Mourinho’s tenure had coincided with a fractious period at the club, which saw the Portuguese have multiple run-ins with star players, including Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, and Eric Bailly.

Mourinho was appointed in 2016 and won the Europa League and EFL Cup in his first season in charge. He improved their league form in 2017/18, leading United to second place, 19 points behind cross-town rivals Manchester City and ensured the Champions League would return to Old Trafford for the second consecutive season.

READ MORE: Manchester United sack manager Jose Mourinho

READ MORE: How do you fix a problem like Manchester United?

READ MORE: Gerrard: Jose the best boss at United since Sir Alex

READ MORE: Carragher: Mourinho sacking has been coming since the summer

However, results and performances had nosedived this season and after 17 games Mourinho’s side sit sixth, already 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool and nine points from Chelsea in fourth place, with a far inferior goal difference.

The United board had seen enough and decided to bring in a new manager, and the majority of you agreed.

More than 12,000 Yahoo Sport UK readers have voted in our poll asking if United had might the right decision in sacking Mourinho and 63 per cent of you believe they did. Only 25 per cent believe he should have been given more time.

sd

Fans’ reactions were largely echoed by ex-players and managers in the media.

Former United captain Neville said on Sky Sports: “When I look at the values of Manchester United, you look at Mauricio Pochettino’s belief in young players at (previous club) Southampton and with Tottenham. You look at his performance levels and the style of play, the way in which he carries himself at all times.

“People suggest he hasn’t won a trophy yet at Tottenham but with a net spend of minus £29million or something over the last four years, I’m not sure he could have done more.

“I do think he is the person who is the outstanding candidate.”

Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports News: “I think you have to go back to the start of the season, and I just thought it was inevitable Jose Mourinho wouldn’t be the manager the following season.

“There’s been a lot of problems between him and the board and then his big-name players within the squad, there was a massive downturn in the relationship that was there for all to see.

“Taking the captaincy off Pogba, giving it to him in the first place, it just looked like it was coming to an end from the very start of the season, and that was before a ball was even kicked really.”

Meanwhile, current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said at a press conference: “I can imagine the last few months were not a joy (for Mourinho). It is not nice to face all those questions.

“But nobody can take away all the things he has won. I hope he has that on his mind as he leaves. He is an outstanding manager.”