With each disappointing Manchester United performance, calls for firing manager Jose Mourinho get louder. The team plays Newcastle on Saturday, and Mourinho said nothing short of a victory would be, “unacceptable.” His bosses may agree.
Man U has 10 points in seven contests, and is 10th of 18 teams in the Premier League Standings. They are in danger of not winning a match at home in five games for the first time since 1990.
“Only one defeat at home all season, only one defeat in the last seven matches but not victories at home in the past three matches,” he said. “Three draws, not the feeling of the defeat but not the happiness of the victory so is important for us to try and win this match on Saturday.”
Newcastle is a team that could be one of three that is relegated at the end of the season. They are currently tied for last in points, winless, with two ties and five losses.
Newcastle Must-Win?
The boys from Old Trafford are a 2/5 favorite to win at home, while Newcastle is 7/2 to pull off the upset. A draw offers 7/1 odds.
Of course Manchester United were heavy favorites when they faced West Ham and were handed a humiliating 3-1 defeat. Mourinho was the odds on favorite to be the first Premier League manager to be fired.
Paddy Power has Mourinho at 5/1 to be the first Premier League manager fired, and 10/11 to be gone by May 12, 2019. The Irish sportsbook also has him at 2/1 to either be fired or resign by Christmas Day. At Betfair, Mourinho is now the 10/11 favorite to be the first EPL manager out of a job. Ladbrokes has him at 5/2.
His demeanor has been testy at best. In Friday’s press conference, Mourinho answered five questions, some with one word answers.
Mutiny Stirring with Poor Results
The rumors that Mourinho’s players have quit on him are also getting louder. With the team having its worst showing at this point in 29 years, players were reportedly discussing whether he would be fired soon.
Another gripe is the treatment of midfielder Paul Pogba. Mourinho has benched him at times, and has been criticized for his treatment of the French star. Labrokes has odds on who will leave first, with Mourinho at 1/4 and Paul Pogba at 5/2.
Nemanja Matic was one of many players who tried to stay positive about Mourinho.
“The manager is trying to turn this around, he wants to make us stronger,” Matic said. “The players all know the situation is not good and we know we can do better. “
But ex-players are looking at the players, not the manager, as to the lackluster effort. Rio Ferdinand, who is an analyst for BT Sport, said the problem is on the field, pointing to the West Ham game.
“As a football player, part of your DNA is hard work and effort. I didn’t see that,” Ferdinand said. “It’s criminal from United. You’ve got to work hard. There’s no passion to work hard. That’s the problem. You’ve got to grind, work hard. They didn’t.”
