Too Defensive - Not Too Smart

Comment by Odiko Godwin|Twitter: @OdikoGodwin

After a very impressive showing in the English Football League against West Ham in midweek, one would only expect the form to rub on United's Premier League clash against Everton. Just as expected, United took the lead and were cruising on to victory until one change - completely ruined every thing.



Mourinho is known for his 'too cautious' habit when going into a very important clash; especially against the big guns in the league. He didn't start the match against Everton seeking to be cautious though. But it was the introduction of Fellaini with just 5 minutes left plus added time - that reminded everyone of Mourinho's addiction to being to cautious and defensive.

Leading 1-0 against Everton and trying to hold on to that scoreline is one thought that is not associated with a Manchester United manager; with specific reference to Sir Alex Ferguson. One might want to argue the fact that this attitude of his(Mourinho) has brought him so much success in the past. But it is the same attitude that has made the United board members not to have handed him the job the very first year Sir Alex retired and instead went for David Moyes. The board members were still divided in decision as to appointing Mourinho after Louis Van Gaal was dismissed last season. His appointment only came out of the lack of managerial options available; with many of United's preferred choices attached.

Mourinho has proven too many times not to learn from his mistakes as do other managers - when a style is not working; One point of reference is Chelsea's Antonio Conte - who realised playing too cautious is not always the smartest of patterns and switched to a more fluent attacking formation 3-4-3, and his decision to change to a more attacking and not too cautious system of play has seen his club win 8 games on the trot, conceding only 2 goals in the process.

Fellaini being the solution to stopping opponent's attacking United, has not been as efficient as one would suggest - considering how Mourinho has always used him to that effect. Against Man City, he was deployed for such purpose and United went on to record their first defeat of the season. The match against Liverpool was one Mourinho's choice to play cautious would have been acknowledged - when United drew goalless. But instead of Fellaini playing major role in ensuring that, it was David De gea that actually rescued a point for United on the night; with some brilliant saves to stop Liverpool from scoring and winning.

When asked why he brought on Fellaini in his post match presser, he chose to defend his decision, instead of admitting to his mistake - in a match where United were poised to win. He made a good change though - when he brought in Rashford to instill pace and directness into the game - after Martial faded out. But his love for keeping things safe saw him removed a very lively Mkhitaryan - who was causing all sort of problems for the Everton defense and always creating openings - which United might have still utilize in counter attacking as Everton attack in search of an eqializer.

Mourinho's addictive habit to playing Cautious has not been only criticized by fans and pundits alike, but also managers - who see his approach as a menace to the beauty of the game. Once again Mourinho's choice to play smart has turned into an act of foolishness, in a match United would easily have won. But would this cause a spark in him and change his mindset in subsequent matches? We can only hope it does - with United due to face Spurs next.