Manchester United tactician Jose Mourinho has admitted that the current squad lacks the consistency in pushing for European Champions league spot in the current league season.
The Red Devils sit in seventh position after the 2-2 draw at Saint Mary’s stadium last weekend. The Manchester club have not recorded a victory in their last three league games with two back to back draws with Crystal Palace and Southampton.
Currently sitting 16 points away from league leaders, Jose Mourinho has revealed that it will be difficult for the club to makeup the 8 points gap separating her from fourth placed Arsenal.
“Last year I said it was fantastic to finish second considering the quality we had compared to other teams who were fighting for a top four finish,” Mourinho told RedeTV following the draw with Southampton.
“This year, as we’re facing even more problems, it proves what I said when the season started, that it would be very tough for us. Now we must try and win as most points as we can, almost a miracle, to finish in the top four.”
Mourinho’s opinion is shared by club legend Garry Neville, who believes the club is far behind their fellow top four contenders.
Manchester United biggest problem has been its defense with injury casualty and below par performance dominating the backline.
In addition, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay struggled in defence when deployed against Southampton.
“In the absence of more centre-backs that could play, we had to deploy midfielders to defend, but they don’t know how to do it, that is not their traits,” Mourinho said.
“By having them playing zonal we tried to hide our weaknesses.”
Mourinho and Manchester United’s next chance to sort out their weakness will come against Arsenal on Wednesday.