Ron Atkinson managed to win two FA Cup titles with Manchester United. However, he is best known for being a manager who preceded Sir Alex Ferguson – probably the greatest manager the world has witnessed. Atkinson knows a thing or two about managing United and having failed to do so. He was in charge of the club for five difficult years, as the Red Devils spent much of the time being second best to Liverpool. Now, he is witnessing the club undergoing a similar state of affairs even with Jose Mourinho at the helm.
The Portuguese arrived as the replacement for Louis van Gaal in the summer. After a fantastic start to his time at Old Trafford, he has struggled for the best part of three months. United seem to slip away from a top four race even before the run of league games towards the end of December.
Atkinson claims that Mourinho’s problems have largely been as a result of inheriting a poor squad. He also feels that luck has not been on the side of the Portuguese or his team. As quoted by the Daily Star, Atkinson said:
“I’m a big Mourinho fan but something’s happened. I honestly think that he thought he would inherit a better team than the one he’s got.
“I have to say, however, that he’s had some terrible luck since he came in.
“I think he’ll get it right but it will take time, longer than Mourinho thought anyway.”
José Mourinho has been increasingly frustrated in the press conferences of late. He stormed out of the press conference after the 1-1 draw with Everton stating that the media do not give credit when his team plays well. It is another sign of frustration in the manager who has already served to touchline bans since assuming charge at United.
Atkinson has seen positive signs that the club are heading in the right direction. He says that playing well and not getting results is certainly not the end of the world. Recalling the days under Louis van Gaal, Atkinson said that the football was so dour under the Dutchman that he often fell asleep during games. Now, though, the situation is much improved even though Mourinho is known for playing pragmatic football. United have been creating chances at will, but have struggled to finish off those chances.
