How Mourinho reinvented manchester united in just 100 days

The Jose Mourinho whirlwind has blown the Louis van Gaal era away at Man Utd and brought the smiles back to Old Trafford

The gloom has lifted

Van Gaal had made some significant changes off the field that allegedly created an 'us and them' feeling about the training ground. His playing style also led to a largely morose camp. But Mourinho has lifted the gloom. The smiles are back on the faces. Wayne Rooney pointed out that under LVG the Dutchman's XI was named 48 hours in advance of matches. Players knew they were not playing early and those who wouldn't be even travelling had two days to mope. It led to a split atmosphere. Mourinho names his squad and side late. Everyone has a fighting chance up to the last minute. It has ensured no breakaway factions can disrupt the feel good factor.

Attack, attack, attack

The 'attack, attack, attack' chant became one of the favourite renditions at Old Trafford and amongst the travelling support as Van Gaal's ponderous reign went on the slide. In press boxes around the country journalists began timing how long before it was aired. It got earlier and earlier. United's possession stats were high under Van Gaal, shots on target were woefully low. A dreadful return of just 49 Premier League goals said it all. United were no longer the box office entertainers. Concerns that Mourinho was cut from similar cloth never seemed to be reflected in the sides he put out and while there still might be 'bus parking' occasions, the Reds are once again easy on the eye.

A polished window

A world-record buy, a world-class free agent, the Bundesliga's Player of the Year and a young defensive powerhouse. What wasn't there to like about Mourinho's first United transfer window. Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly ticked all the boxes Reds fans would have desired in terms of excitement, strength, pace and potential. Mourinho named his four priority signings early and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward did the business and avoiding any accusations of panic buying.

Schweinsteiger, Rashford and Mkhitaryan

The Mourinho can do no wrong feel is very evident in the fact that even his controversial decisions are largely accepted. The treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger's exile didn't reflect well on the club but there has been little fuss kicked up by fans of a player who was lauded when he arrived. Marcus Rashford was a must-have in the United XI for most Reds after his impact last season but it barely registered that he didn't start the first three matches. The 'Mourinho knows what he is doing' attitude has prevailed. It's the same with new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The United support cannot wait for the Armenian to get a run in the side. But Jose has kept him largely under wraps and there has hardly been a major revolt about it. Here's to the next 100 days!

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk.