At the start of the season, many expected Chelsea to defend their Premier League title with relative ease. The Blues cruised to the top last season but struggled to cope with the added pressures and demands of being crowned champions. Jose Mourinho, arguably the best manager in Chelsea’s illustrious history, lost his job back in December and was replaced by former interim boss Guus Hiddink.
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has also come under intense criticism this season. The Red Devils failed to get past the group stages of the Champions League, were knocked out of the League Cup by Middlesbrough and sit fifth in the Premier League table. Back in the summer, supporters fancied their chances of a title challenge but if truth be told, they’re not even close – and Van Gaal is one of the key reasons for their struggles.
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Van Gaal leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, especially as many of United’s loyal supporters have now turned on the Dutchman. The 13-time Premier League champions are boring to watch, create very few chances and strangle all life and enjoyment out of matches – which has all but put an end to United’s old philosophy and style of play.
At the time of writing, Coral price United at 33/1 to win the title. At the beginning of the season, they were 5/1. The Red Devils have laboured to fifth place and will need a minor miracle to finish in the top four. Without Champions League football at Old Trafford next season, it’s hard to imagine Van Gaal keeping his place in the home dugout – especially if they fail to excite and inspire their loyal fan base.
United need a charismatic, experienced professional to come in and take the bull by the horns. Van Gaal deserves plenty of credit for trying to do things his own way but he has ultimately failed at United. With the Dutchman, the Red Devils seem to take one step forwards and two steps back – which simply isn’t good enough for a club the size of Manchester United.
In recent times, betting on next managers is all the rage and plenty of Coral punters will be placing a wager on Mourinho to replace the Dutchman unless there is a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford. If United win the FA Cup and secure automatic qualification for the Champions League, they might give Van Gaal another chance. Anything less and he’s out the door and Mourinho will be waiting in the wings.
Simply put, Mourinho fits the bill for the Old Trafford job. He has plenty of confidence but isn’t overconfident, he knows and respects the history of the club and he has Premier League experience at the top level. The Portuguese knows how to win titles and, with a bit of luck, he could lead the Red Devils to a 21st English championship crown next season.