José Mourinho is one of the most successful and high-profile football managers in the history of the game. Known for his tactical acumen, charismatic personality, and sometimes controversial style, Mourinho has won major trophies with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. His time as Manchester United manager from 2016 to 2018 saw him deliver silverware in the form of the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield, although his tenure was also marked by high expectations and internal tensions. Mourinho is famous for dubbing himself the “Special One” during his early days at Chelsea, a label that followed him throughout his career.
José Mourinho’s Time at Manchester United (2016–2018)
Mourinho was appointed as Manchester United’s manager in May 2016, succeeding Louis van Gaal. He arrived at Old Trafford with a glittering CV, having previously won Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan, and multiple league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain. Mourinho’s task was to restore Manchester United’s status as a dominant force in English football following several underwhelming seasons after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
2016-17 Season: Europa League Triumph
In his first season in charge, Mourinho guided Manchester United to three trophies:
- EFL Cup (League Cup): United defeated Southampton 3-2 in the final, securing Mourinho’s first major honor with the club.
- Europa League: Mourinho's United won the UEFA Europa League in 2017, beating Ajax 2-0 in the final. This victory was significant as it secured United's qualification for the Champions League and completed the club’s collection of major European trophies.
- FA Community Shield: United won the Community Shield at the start of the season by defeating Leicester City 2-1.
Despite finishing 6th in the Premier League, the Europa League win and the domestic cup triumphs gave Mourinho’s first season a positive gloss, as he restored some sense of optimism at Old Trafford.
2017-18 Season: Premier League and FA Cup Runner-Up
The 2017-18 season saw Manchester United finish as Premier League runners-up, their highest finish since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. United’s second-place finish came with 81 points, but they were still 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City.
In the FA Cup, Mourinho led United to the final, but they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. Despite finishing second in the league and reaching the FA Cup final, the season was marked by criticism of Mourinho’s defensive tactics and conservative approach, particularly in big games. Tensions between Mourinho and some of his players, most notably Paul Pogba, began to surface, and questions arose about his future at the club.
2018-19 Season: Dismissal
The 2018-19 season started poorly for Manchester United, with inconsistent performances, dressing room unrest, and increasing pressure on Mourinho. After a run of disappointing results, including a 3-1 loss to Liverpool in December 2018, Mourinho was sacked by Manchester United. At the time of his dismissal, United were sixth in the table, 19 points behind leaders Liverpool and 11 points outside the top four.
Mourinho’s tenure at United was seen as a mixed bag. He delivered the club’s first European trophy since 2008 and ended a five-year wait for domestic silverware. However, his defensive tactics, strained relationships with players, and failure to challenge for the Premier League title ultimately led to his departure.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
- Europa League Winner (2017)
- League Cup Winner (2017)
- Community Shield Winner (2016)
- Premier League Runner-Up (2017-18)
- FA Cup Runner-Up (2017-18)
José Mourinho’s Management Style
José Mourinho is known for his tactical pragmatism and defensive solidity, often prioritizing a results-oriented approach over expansive, attacking football. His teams are typically well-organized, with a focus on counter-attacking and discipline. Mourinho is also known for his ability to inspire players and create a siege mentality, but his tenure at clubs has often been marked by internal conflicts and breakdowns in relationships with key players.
Mourinho’s greatest strength has been his ability to win trophies, but his methods have also drawn criticism, particularly in the latter stages of his career, where some of his teams have been labeled as overly cautious and defensive.
Post-Manchester United Career
After leaving Manchester United, Mourinho was appointed as manager of Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, where he aimed to restore the club to trophy-winning ways. He led Spurs to the Carabao Cup final in 2021, but was sacked just days before the final. Later that year, Mourinho took over as manager of AS Roma, where he continues to manage in Serie A and has guided Roma to success, winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022.
Legacy
José Mourinho’s legacy in football is one of sustained success and a reputation for winning trophies wherever he has managed. Despite a somewhat tumultuous time at Manchester United, he remains one of the most high-profile and successful managers in the game. His ability to deliver silverware, even during challenging periods, sets him apart as one of the most decorated managers in football history.
Summary
José Mourinho is a renowned football manager who led Manchester United from 2016 to 2018, winning the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield during his tenure. While his defensive style and confrontations with key players often drew criticism, Mourinho’s ability to win trophies made his time at United memorable. Following his time at Old Trafford, Mourinho went on to manage Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma, continuing to build on his reputation as one of football’s most successful managers. |
