The rumors of Eric Mourinho’s departure are beginning to surface.
Manchester United fell to a 0-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in the seventh round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, at 11 p.m. ET on Oct. 30. The loss drops United to 10th place in the league with three points from four games.
United started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. United started Rasmus Hojelin, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Facundo Pellistri, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Sofiane Amrabat, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot, and Onana.
United started the buildup calmly from the back with their signature buildup scheme. Amrabat, playing at left back, moved into the center and was involved in the buildup, while Mount, playing in midfield, provided support down the left flank.
But United were in for a surprise. In the 24th minute, Amrabat gave away a free kick on the flank. Eberechi Eze stepped up to take the kick and sent a cross into the box, where Joachim Andersen rattled the net with a stunning volley.
With a goal down, United pushed forward and became more aggressive. Eric den Haag brought on Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, and Harry Maguire in search of an equalizer, but it didn’t come to fruition. In the end, United went to their knees at home, 0-1.
The loss was United’s fourth defeat in seven league games. “United are off to their worst start in 34 years,” said the BBC. The Red Devils have lost six of their last 10 games, making them the worst performers of late.
Van Gaal was also disappointed. “There are no excuses,” he said after the game. Four defeats in seven games? It’s disappointing, especially for the fans, but also for the players and myself. But we have to stay together, we have to fight and we have to do better. Old Trafford is supposed to be a fortress, and we’re not doing that.”
However, Mourinho was unable to elaborate on his plans. Naturally, speculation began to rise. According to Football Transfer, “United would have to pay a significant sum to get rid of Van Gaal. Van Gaal is under contract until 2025 and is paid £9 million a year. That means it would cost United a total of £20 million to fire him. There may also be additional fees such as compensation and severance pay attached to the contract.”
It doesn’t matter if he does. United have already built a squad to Van Gaal’s liking. Since his arrival, Van Gaal has brought in the likes of Lisandro 토토 Martinez, Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Tyrrell Malacia. This summer, he added Hoilearn, Mount, Onana, and Amrabat. They’ve spent a whopping £449 million in three transfer windows.
With the arrival of a new manager, the club will need to bring in players to suit the new manager’s tastes. “It could be a financial disaster for United if Van Gaal fails to steer the club in the right direction,” the media predicted.