Peter Henry
Former Manchester United goalkeeper and club legend Peter Schmeichel has lamented the fact that the Old Trafford outfit have now become a sacking club.
The Red Devils enjoyed the most successful period in their history during Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26 year reign at the helm, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.
However, since the legendary Scot’s retirement in 2013 Manchester United have sacked both David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal before hiring current incumbent, Jose Mourinho.
Although, it is commonly accepted that a reign the likes of Ferguson’s is unlikely to ever be repeated in the modern game, Schmeichel isn’t happy that United now hire and fire like most other clubs.
“I don’t know what the thinking is and I hate the fact we are a club that sacks their managers,” the Great Dane told the BBC.
“Sacking a guy after seven months isn’t great and Van Gaal didn’t fit, and now we have Jose Mourinho – all three are very different and it takes time.
“We are used to the manager staying for a quarter of a century. That’s the club we are.”
Current United boss Mourinho’s position at Old Trafford has come under severe scrutiny after his sides poor start to the season, but Schmeichel reckons the Portuguese will stay at the club. He also dismissed complaints about his playing style by insisting the club knew exactly what they were getting into when they hired the former Chelsea coach.
“When they picked him they picked his style,” he added.
“I’m not complaining about Mourinho. He is the manager and he is giving you trophies but he is not the guy who is going to develop the club like Sir Alex did.
“Mourinho is the kind of manager to stay for two to four years and then move on – but if he stays for 10 years then United could come back. It is the nature of Manchester United.
“I expect Mourinho to stay, why not?”