Of the three managers since 2013, there’s no denying that Jose Mourinho has brought about the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson period at Manchester United since the departure of the legendary Scotsman. The Portuguese has won the EFL Cup, the Europa League, and the Community Shield but United fans are used to challenging for more silverware than this. The former Chelsea boss is entering his third season at Old Trafford, and it is imperative that he has the Red Devils well in the race for the Premier League title this time out.

Mourinho has been famous for entering a club and then winning the league in his second season, but this wasn’t the case with United. In fact, his side were nowhere near champions Manchester City last time out and ended the campaign 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s men. As Mourinho appears increasingly frustrated, should fans be getting worried?

Looking back on Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge a few years ago may worry United fans. In his second season in charge of Chelsea, the three-time Premier League Manager of the Season led the Blues to the title in style. They only lost three games and finished eight points ahead of their closest rivals Manchester City. But things soon took a drastic turn at the London club, as Mourinho lost the dressing room and Chelsea found themselves on a dire run at the beginning of their title defence the next season. This ultimately led to Mourinho being sacked by the club for the second time.

Now in his third season at United, Mourinho is showing similar signs to that fateful time at Chelsea. For instance, he has frequently attacked his players to divert blame after a loss. When United lost 1-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion towards the end of last season, the manager decided to lay the blame squarely on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the absence of Romelu Lukaku. The 55-year-old went on similar rants towards the end of his time at Chelsea and had a public spat with Diego Costa. At Chelsea, Mourinho lost the dressing room and his sacking shortly followed. He could be risking the same scenario at Old Trafford.

To say that United are among the favourites for the title, it’s interesting that their main striker isn’t considered a front-runner for the Golden Boot. According to Oddschecker, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane lead the race in that regard. Getting the best out of Lukaku this season will be key to United’s hopes but, if Mourinho continues to criticise the Belgian’s support strikers, there could be trouble if the big man is side-lined.  

The United boss has also publicly shown his disdain at the lack of transfer activity over the summer. According to reports, he gave the board a list of names months ago but the only player of note that has been brought in is Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk. If he doesn’t get the players he needs, it could serve to aggravate the manager further.

All being well, Mourinho will get off to a strong start this season and challenge at the top of the table. But there are certainly a few signs that are a cause for concern for United fans.