Whatever Mourinho wants, Mourinho gets…or so it seems from the banner headline in the Sun which boldly states “Jose: I will be next Man Utd boss”. Is it that simple? Will the Glazers – or whoever may own the club when the time comes, or Ferguson himself or any one of Uniteds other chiefs have any say in the matter? Does the decision come down to The Special One alone? The belief in his own ability is widely acknowledged and you will have to admire Mourinho’s chutzpa – if it was true BUT IS IT? It’s a headline which does nothing to help his arrogant image with many United fans.
Read beyond the headline however and you will find that nothing of the kind was said by the man! In fact, not one single word by the Real Madrid boss was quoted except when asked if he might replace Roberto Mancini at Manchester City to which he simply replied “I say it is impossible”. That’s it, not a word more, not a word less yet the rag felt justified in putting words into Mou’s mouth!
The most charitable thing that can be said about The Sun is that it may have information which could not yet be divulged publicly in which case one must ask why the story was run at all. Instead of facts, the paper saw fit to run subjective opinions like “The Special One wants to take over as Manchester United boss at the end of next season – and reckons he will get the job”. Really? you and I could have just as easily come up with such speculation.
The only quote worth noting comes from Sir Alex who is reported to have ‘recently’ said (how recent?) “Jose is a great friend of mine. We’ve spoken many times about his future and I understand his wish to return to England. But it’s difficult for me to say when my position will be available. It will be my health that decides.”
The overwhelming assumption is that the longer the Glazers own the club, the more chance there is of Mourinho getting his wish – and for good reason. Continued on field success for which Mou has been tried and proven, is imperative for their ‘business plan’. They will be prepared to put a longer term vision – which Mourinho is unlikely to provide, on the back burner.
Rightly or wrongly, my own fervent hope is for Ferguson to hang around for many, many more years to come.
Will you be happy to see Mourinho take over at Old Trafford?
