Manchester United long time midfielder Michael Carrick could not hide his disappointment after the Red Devils played a 1-1 draw with Belgian side Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter final.
Truth be told many expected more from Jose Mourinho when he assumed his managerial role at Old Trafford.
Carrick likely expected a runaway victory over a side like Anderlecht but the team did what they have largely done this term: put up an average performance for a top side.
“Completely disappointed,” was the remark he gave about the performance. “It was almost too easy at times. We weren’t ruthless enough and now we are left with one of those scorelines where it is dangerous,” he added.
With United in fifth place in the Premier League and with tough fixtures ahead, their best bet is to overcome Anderlecht in the return leg, and book a semi-final spot. They hopefully win the Europa League and get an automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.
United have maintained an unbeaten run since their 4-0 loss to Chelsea last October but they have barely made it count with uncountable string of draws. What Antonio Conte is doing at Chelsea in his debut season is what many expected with the arrival of the former Blues boss Mourinho.
The current United set-up would barely be a contender even if they manage to make the elite tournament in Europe next term. It seems the bar has been set too low. There is some form of consistency but they are just slightly better than the team Louis van Gaal left behind.Mourinho’s team pales when compared to recent teams results by David Moyes and LvG.
With the team relying on Zlatan Ibrahimovic whose goals have dried up, the side seem wasteful. Despite all the promise of last year, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial consistently failed to hit the mark. Wayne Rooney is just a disappointment while Antonio Valencia and Ander Herrera showed some decent qualities. Mourinho would really need to sit down and figure out the root problems ahead of the next season or risk dismissal soon.