Jose Mourninho: I Would Love to Coach United to 1-0 Victories

By: Taylor Rockwell | July 28th, 2009

In a move that will surely not please Inter Milan fans, Jose Mourinho indicated that he would be a willing replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson when/if the aging Scotsman ever retires. “I would consider going to Manchester United, but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course. I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make a game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere.” I guess that statement shouldn’t be a surprise coming from the man who only a few weeks ago publicly discussed how much easier it was to manager in England (before also going on record as not being friends with new Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti).

In the past, I have always thought Mourinho would be my ideal replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson. However, the more I think about it, the less certain I am that that deal would ever work out for both parties. Mourinho’s second comment of the evening elucidated why. “I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce. It was difficult for me because we loved each other, but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone. Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep winning and they don’t.”

For a club that just spent the better part of two years trying to shoulder the burden of a player with an insane ego, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have an even bigger ego as a head coach. On the one hand, it would probably suck all the air out of the room, thereby killing all other egos. But on the other, do a club like United (who have always valued the badge over the player) need a coach who always comes first?

Some might say that Fergie is the same way; that he’s just as arrogant and self-promoting as Mourinho. I might agree to some extent. However, the major difference between the two is their overall managerial style. Fergie builds teams and fosters youth development. He’s led multiple revolutions and has always had an eye for very young talent. Can the same be said of Mourinho? The man who managed Chelsea when they decided it was only logical to sign Shevchenko and Ballack? Perhaps a club like United needs a manager with the confidence to survive. However, United aren’t Chelsea. They don’t go out and drop money as if they had their own printing presses (at least, not any more). Could Mourninho survive in that environment? Who knows? He’s led three different teams to three major titles. He’s gone toe-to-toe with the best managers and clubs in the world. In puppet form, he’s destroyed Sven, Rafa, Voyeur, and Potato at nearly every turn.

Somehow, and I’m sure I will get crushed for this, I just don’t see it working out longterm.