Mourinho is reviving Sir Alex Ferguson's 'specialties'

(Baonghean.vn) -What is happening at the "Red Devils" this season reminds many people of Man Utd under legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson.

Coach Mourinho has a philosophy completely opposite to his colleague Sir Alex Ferguson. The “special one” team always plays pragmatically, using tight defense and quick counterattacks as the “guiding principle” in every match.

On the contrary, coach Sir Alex Ferguson worships the beautiful attacking football school. From Aberdeen to Man Utd, the Scottish strategist always builds a fast and attractive passing style of play. If Mourinho's philosophy is like water, Sir Alex Ferguson's philosophy is like fire.

It seemed like they would forever stand on two fronts, walking on two parallel lines until the end of their coaching careers, and would never find anything in common between them, except for the phrase "being one of the best coaches in the world", along with their passion for enjoying wine.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Mourinho are like two mountains standing tall next to each other but different in shape and geological structure. They are great in their clear contrast.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Mourinho have opposing philosophies. Photo: Internet

Even when Mourinho officially took over the hot seat at Old Trafford - where Sir Alex Ferguson cast a huge shadow, people did not believe that the path Mourinho took was similar to the journey that the Scottish strategist had gone through. Indeed, in his first season at Man Utd (2016/2017), Mourinho left his mark that could not be confused with anyone else.

Man Utd continuously won victories and titles in Mourinho's style. The "Red Devils" are not much different from Porto, Chelsea (2 terms), Inter Milan and Real Madrid. The English Super Cup, English League Cup and Europa League titles of the Old Trafford team last season were based on the pragmatic foundation of the "special one". A very different Man Utd compared to the Man Utd of Sir Alex Ferguson's time.

However, this season has seen some surprising changes at The Red Devils (nicknamed Man Utd). Over time, Mourinho’s Man Utd has increasingly revealed the outstanding features that once existed in the team led by coach Sir Alex Ferguson. First, the concept of “Fergie Time” has returned. “Fergie Time” is a concept given by fans to Man Utd’s habit of scoring goals in the final minutes of matches.

Solskjaer celebrates scoring the winning goal to make it 2-1 for Man Utd in 1999. Photo: Internet

During his career leading Man Utd, Sir Alex Ferguson created a specialty called "Fergie Time". The two consecutive goals of the duo Solskjaer - Sheringham against Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich) in the 1998/1999 Champions League final in extra time, or Owen's goal against Man City in the 90+6 minute (September 20, 2009)... are still vivid in the minds of Manucicans.

This season, Man Utd have scored 12 goals in the last 10 minutes of the match. Martial's "golden" goal against goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in the 81st minute of the match between Man Utd and Tottenham (1 - 0) was another proof that the concept of "Fergie Time" has been revived at Man Utd. Now people call it "Jose Time" as a compliment to Coach Mourinho.

"Super sub" Martial scored to help his team beat Tottenham 1-0. Photo: Internet

The second sign is the concept of “super sub”. Under coach Sir Alex Ferguson, there was always at least one player playing the role of “super sub” in the Man Utd squad. In the late 90s of the last century, it was Solskjaer - Sheringham, later it was Owen, Berbatov and Chicharito. In difficult situations, Sir Alex Ferguson always threw those “cards up his sleeve” onto the field to turn the game around. The goals of Solskjaer - Sheringham, Owen mentioned above are typical proof of the importance of “super subs” under Sir Alex Ferguson.

This season, Man Utd striker Martial often plays the role of "super sub". Statistics show that 4/6 goals of the French star were scored after coming on as a substitute. Man Utd's only goal in the 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the 10th round is a typical example. Remember, in the past, Mourinho was not the type of coach who built "super sub" players in the teams he led.

Although he has not been able to help Man Utd demonstrate the flamboyant attacking style of play as under Sir Alex Ferguson, Mourinho is reviving the concepts that once existed at Old Trafford created by the Scottish strategist. Man Utd is now the form of Mourinho with a hint of Sir Alex Ferguson's "soul".

Thanh Hung