For any of you who were concerned about the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, all we can say is that you should simply have listened to TFF!
READ ALSO: JOSE MOURINHO – THE RIGHT ONE
Jose has given the whole place a lift, added stardust to the squad and transformed the vibe at Old Trafford.
When we look at the current squad we have to concur that Jose has done more in two months at Manchester United than Louis van Gaal did in two painfully dull years.
And it’s already difficult to imagine how Manchester United looked and played without the likes of Zlatan, Bailly and Pogba. Louis spent so much money with so little end product. But now United have killers everywhere in the team once more.
TFF looks at the early form of the players.
Zlatan – 9/10
4 goals in his first 4 games tells us that this is a top footballer in his prime. But it doesn’t tell the whole story. Because, off the pitch Zlatan has also been a revelation, galvanising the squad and asking almost as much from them as the manager himself. What a signing.
Eric Bailly – 9/10
It says so much for Mourinho that the two top performers so far are undoubtedly two of his new boys.
Bailly has added exactly the sort of bite and toughness that was lacking in the first team for the last few years. He’s like a pacy Vidic. What a player he is and can be.
Luke Shaw – 8.5
What a joy it is to see him back. We can’t help but summon that old cliche that this is like a new signing.
LvG was unlucky to lose him last season but many would have you believe that he was signed before the Dutchman came to the club.
Shaw brings pace and precision to the left flank. He’s a winger’s dream with his powerful overlapping runs and the sky really is the limit for Shaw.
Antonio Valencia 8.5
A man reborn under Jose. For the last few years he has been a total ditherer, unable to beat his man and too often hitting the first man with his deliveries. But, at 31, he still has loads in the tank and early form suggests that he is going to be one of the players of the season for Manchester United in his newish role at right back.
David de Gea 8
Imperious. Immaculate. Feline. Loyal. Understated. Pure class.
Paul Pogba – 7.5/10
Even in his two appearances so far you can see that Pogba’s potential is limitless. He’s able to slalom out of the tightest holes, turn defence into attack in a second, tackle, pass, shoot and hold games in his hand.
Daley Blind – 7.5
Looks stronger this season and is making a real play for the second centre back spot in the team.
Fellaini – 7
Never a TFF favourite but Jose seems to like him.
Juan Mata – 7
Has performed well under Jose and surprisingly started all EPL games.
Wayne Rooney – 6.5
Can he stem the tide of his demise? He is only 30 and if he can get his sharpness back he can bag 15-20 goals this season in this system.
Anthony Martial 6.5
He’s started the season slowly but 17 goals and 11 assists last term show that Martial should be one of the main men again.
Ander Herrera – 6.5
Decent in his solitary start so far.
Manchester United fans: who is your top performer so far?