Manchester United sent shockwaves throughout world football with their captures last summer, parting with a world-record sum to bring Paul Pogba to Old Trafford from Juventus and also securing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the club.
Jose Mourinho’s debut campaign at Manchester United has seen the Portuguese boss fall short of expectations though, with the Red Devils failing to mount a charge for the title or secure a position in the top-four despite a 25-match unbeaten run.
That record was ended at the weekend following a 2-0 defeat to top-four rivals Arsenal, which leaves the Red Devils’ chances of securing qualification to the Champions League via the Premier League route as extremely slim.
United’s hopes of securing Champions League football for next season now hinge on their Europa League campaign, with Mourinho’s side preparing for a semi-final clash with Celta Vigo at Old Trafford tonight- holding a 1-0 aggregate lead courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s free-kick last week.
Even if United win that trophy, adding to the League Cup they won at Wembley earlier this season, the club’s season will still be seen as a disappointment and Manchester United legend Roy Keane has slammed the club for their ’embarrassing’ campaign.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Europa League semi-final, the former United skipper said:
“In terms of getting their hands on the Europa League then there’s no excuses why they can’t do it. For a club like Man United winning the League Cup and the Europa League with the teams that are in it you’d expect them to do that.”
“But to be so far behind in the league I think is nothing short of embarrassing with the players they have and the squad and money they’ve spent. This idea that they’re now sixth in the league, I think it’s what, 19 points behind Chelsea. I think the manager and the players should be embarrassed by that.”
Whilst Keane’s damning assessment of Manchester United’s season may be harsh, it’s difficult to argue that he’s wrong- although United can take solstice in the fact that this will go down as a transitional season following Mourinho’s arrival.
Make no mistake though, Manchester United need to be challenging for significant honours next season with the squad they have- especially as further world-class recruits are likely to be added to their ranks during the summer.
For now, Manchester United need to ensure their minimum objective of reaching the Champions League next season is met, otherwise there will be real questions asked about Jose Mourinho’s side and the Portuguese boss won’t have a defence.