Special Once: Third Season Mourinho third seasons once again at ‘dream job’ Manchester United

Almost exactly three years after getting sacked at Chelsea (December 17, 2015) — for the second time! — José Mourinho has now had the honor of getting sacked at Manchester United as well. The sixth-place but well off the pace giants of English football announced the move this morning (December 18, 2018).

Sorry, it’s not a “sacking”, it’s a ... leaving?

What an odd phrasing.

All it needs is Ed Woodward on MUFC TV talking about “palpable discord”.

United’s full (and very brief) statement says that an interim manager will be appointed until the end of the season (Michael Carrick? Gary Neville? Guus Hiddink?) and then a new permanent manager will arrive in the summer. If that doesn’t scream Antonio Conte (or Pochettino?), I’m not sure what does, and that fills me with a bit of dread even as I’m laughing here at José “What do you mean by fix?” Mourinho.

Amidst all the schadenfreude, it’s a bit sad to see Mourinho struggle so at United, having witnessed first-hand his greatness at Chelsea 15 years ago — which remains his only appointment to reach a fourth season (albeit very briefly).

Even the Mona Lisa falls apart.

Best of luck wherever you land next, José.