United more than ever
The coming week could be make-or-break for Manchester United and the future of their manager. But after the start they’ve had domestically, the Champions League provides everybody at Old Trafford with some much needed respite.
Man United
If the bookies have it right, it’s a question of when, rather than if, the axe falls on Jose Mourinho. Three defeats from seven league games equals United’s worst ever Premier League start, while an embarrassing League Cup exit to Derby County and a breakdown in his relationship with arguably the club’s biggest asset in Paul Pogba, has seemingly left the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ heading for the exit door at Old Trafford.
However, I’m backing the beleaguered Portuguese to take inspiration from the man he, Moyes and Van Gaal have all struggled to emulate, Sir Alex Ferguson. Hard to think now but he was faced with the threat of the sack after a similarly poor start in 1989/90 but managed to salvage the season, and his position, with a trophy.
Old Trafford is owed a big occasion
Whether he is granted the time to turn things around is another thing. But a week starting and ending with home games against first, Valencia, and then Newcastle, has the chance to be a good one for United and Mourinho, who is no stranger to using the Champions League to prove himself as one of the managerial greats.
Old Trafford is owed a big occasion and I expect to see manager, players and supporters alike put domestic matters to one side to stand United more than ever.
Valencia
Beaten by group favourites Juventus on matchday one, Valencia, featuring a few familiar faces, will be out to avoid a second defeat from two games upon their return to the competition. Like their hosts though, they come into this clash without much momentum domestically; Los Che sit 14th after seven games having drawn five, lost one and won one, their sole victory coming away at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Notching their first three points of the season and playing in such a prestigious fixture as this will undoubtedly see a Valencia side featuring ex Arsenal duo Gabriel Paulista and Francis Coquelin, as well as Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi, raise their game. Three clean sheets from the last four in the league also suggests Valencia may prove stubborn to pass.
The visitors have problems of their own
However, Marcelino is struggling to get his side to perform at the other end; 5 goals in eight games overall suggests he has work to do to address the balance between defence and attack. It’s thought unlikely he’ll alter the style of his side at the moment, with much needed points at stake here and a home clash with Barcelona next on the horizon.
Valencia will believe they can take advantage of United and their much documented issues but the visitors have problems of their own, not least getting used to the demands of this tournament again after three years away.
Match Tip
I doubt this will be a match that lives long in the memory - both have the potential to nullify the threat of the other so I foresee a low scoring affair.
But I think United will have enough to edge it, giving Mourinho some much needed breathing space and the hosts maximum points from their two played.
Odds of 5/7 courtesy of Betfair are solid enough to warrant a punt on United winning outright.
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
A committed and slightly improved performance from United who threatened but failed to fashion many clear-cut chances. I thought they'd end up nicking a 1-0 but it wasn't to be.