Date: 5th September 2016 at 9:05pm
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Can the Special One deliver?

Jose Mourinho has been an instant hit at Old Trafford. The Portuguese has led United to the perfect start in the Premier League, as well as a Community Shield triumph in the curtain raiser against Leicester City.

It would be foolish to claim that all of Mourinho’s doubters have crawled into the woodwork but there is certainly much more positivity and excitement amongst supporters – and it is easy to see why after such an impressive start.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Mourinho is one of the best managers in world football and the Red Devils are reaping the full rewards from his skillset and experience.

Whilst it didn’t work out for him during his most recent stint at Chelsea, Jose has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his glittering career and he has already claimed that United can win the title this season. And if truth be told, it has been refreshing for fans to hear a Reds boss speaking with some belief for a change.

Prior to United’s first home game of the season against Southampton, Mourinho spoke about the importance of the Old Trafford crowd. During Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, the United faithful played a key role – especially when the Red Devils were under the cosh and in dire need of a goal.

Mourinho has already gone some way to building bridges and forming a positive relationship with United supporters and the atmosphere around the stadium for the Saints match was electric.

If Mourinho can get the fans believing, the ‘fear factor’ will return – and that is exactly what the new United boss wants.

In recent years, United’s home form hasn’t been good enough; you cannot win the Premier League title whilst losing or dropping points against Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and other sub-standard clubs.

Home fixtures against these sides are usually regarded as banker wins and Mourinho knows it. After all, he has been there and done it all in England, Spain and Italy…

At the time of writing, Betway are pricing United at 5/2 to win the Premier League title this season and it already looks like it could be a three-horse race for the crown. United will be there or thereabouts but ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City and Antonio Conte’s Chelsea will also fancy their chances of glory.

Like United, City have raised their game since Pep Guardiola’s arrival and the Blues may be the team to beat this year.

For the neutrals, the whole Mourinho-Guardiola feud is fascinating and football fans will be eagerly anticipating the first Manchester Derby of the season on September 10th. Whilst it is probably too early to call it a “title decider”, both clubs will want to continue their fine form with a victory.

Mourinho knows just how important the Old Trafford crowd is and he will be desperate for the home supporters to create a hostile atmosphere when City visit later this month. With the Stretford End in full voice and 76,000 loyal fans singing throughout, United could swing the balance of power across Manchester in their favour – and that will do for now.

The title may (and will) follow later in the season…

 

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