7 truths: Manchester United should sack Louis van Gaal, appoint Jose Mourinho

Updated 20/12/2015 at 09:32 GMT

Manchester United have a rare opportunity to appoint Jose Mourinho. What have they got to lose? Plus: Guus Hiddink’s easy job, Diego Costa’s uncertainty and Tottenham’s unlikely blessing.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho

Image credit: AFP

1) Manchester United’s next move: Sack Van Gaal, appoint Mourinho

Events at Stamford Bridge proved a managerial reshuffle really can have a drastic impact – not a memo Louis van Gaal needed. Manchester United, again devoid of creativity, slipped out of the top four with a limp defeat to Norwich as sections of the Old Trafford support sung Jose Mourinho’s name.

It’s not hard to see why. He may be burdened by a three-year curse, but the Portuguese should not be considered damaged goods. There were extenuating circumstances behind his Chelsea exit – which will inevitably dribble out over the coming weeks – and he remains at the forefront of football management.

Premier League

Exclusive: Rooney reveals toughest defensive opponents ‘like Rolls Royces’

21/03/2024 at 17:03

What have United got to lose? Ryan Giggs can continue to shadow another reputable manager ahead of his prophesied promotion to the hot seat, but the 2016/17 campaign is surely too early for the Welshman to breakout on his own. A Mourinho-United alliance has been mooted for a while. Finally the stars have aligned for it to actually happen.

Louis van Gaal

Image credit: Reuters

- - -

2) Hiddink has the easiest job in football

It’s impossible to see how Guus Hiddink can fail at Chelsea. The fans’ animosity is aimed firmly at a select bunch of players, who suddenly sprung into life against Sunderland. That leaves the Dutchman with a simple task: slowly oversee Chelsea’s revival, in the knowledge that failure will be attributed to the previous regime. Even a smidgen of success will spark an upturn in mood, with Saturday’s performance suggesting a charge up the Premier League table is imminent.

However, Hiddink could do with an assured striker…

New Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink sat in the stands with Didier Drogba and owner Roman Abramovich

Image credit: Reuters

- - -

3) Costa has NO confidence

As Oscar waltzed through a pedestrian defence in the first half at Stamford Bridge, he failed to spot a team-mate lurking in acres of space to his left. But Diego Costa just gawped as the Brazilian took another touch and fired straight at Costel Pantilimon. Where was the flash of movement in the box, a roar demanding the ball? No doubt Costa’s confidence was shot by the pre-match boos, but if he continues to be a shell of a striker then Hiddink will have little option but to axe him.

Chelsea fans gesture towards Diego Costa as he is substituted

Image credit: Reuters

- - -

4) Festive period will reveal Leicester’s strength

One lucky punter may be basking in a £5,000 windfall after correctly predicting Leicester would top the pile come Christmas, but there’s no guarantee they’ll still be there come 2016. Liverpool and Manchester City await over the festive period, a three-day audition that will rigorously assess their top-four credentials. Survive it and start dreaming of big European nights. Fail and start glancing nervously down the table…

Leicester City's Italian manager Claudio Ranieri (R) greets Everton's Spanish manager Roberto Martinez

Image credit: AFP

- - -

5) Defeat to Newcastle a blessing in disguise for Spurs

The best teams view draws as nuisances, not foundations to be celebrated. Tottenham fell into the latter camp – failing to chase wins and placing an inflated value on a solitary point. It allowed them to build a 15-match unbeaten run and spark talk of a Champions League return. But despite their impressive showings, one startling fact was overlooked: they were still outside the top four.

Last week’s defeat to Newcastle belatedly jolted them from that mind set, and against Southampton they returned as an attacking force to climb into the Champions League spots. If they want to finish there, they will have to risk losing more often.

Harry Kane celebrates scoring the first goal for Tottenham

Image credit: Reuters

- - -

6) Southampton are being sucked into a relegation scrap

Graziano Pelle’s inability to carry his form beyond autumn is a huge worry for Southampton. Just as his goals dried up last season, the Italian has returned to the St Mary’s periphery and his side have slumped down the table. One point from five outings has dragged them towards the drop zone and, given their 2015 concludes with a daunting double header against Arsenal and West Ham, the signs are already ominous for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman

Image credit: Reuters

- - -

7) Finally! Bournemouth are getting what they deserve

It was November 7. Bournemouth were rampant, swarming over Newcastle and smashing 20 shots at goal. They lost 1-0. Their Premier League adventure was turning into a nightmare.

And yet, six weeks on, Eddie Howe’s side have staged a remarkable recovery – winning three on the bounce and pulling five points clear of the drop zone. The results are finally matching the performances, giving them every chance of staying up.