Skip to content

Forlan backs Man Utd for title challenge under Mourinho

The former Red Devils striker feels no Champions League football this season will boost their Premier League chances.

DIEGO FORLAN IS confident Manchester United can be ‘real contenders’ for the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho this season.

United have failed to finish higher than fourth in the table since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement three years ago and will also have no Champions League football to look forward to for the second time in the same period.

Louis van Gaal paid the price for his failure to guide United into the top four last season as he was replaced at the helm by former Chelsea boss Mourinho.

Forlan, who spent two-and-a-half years as a striker for United and is fondly remembered by fans for his winning brace against Liverpool, believes the club have appointed ‘the right man’ in Mourinho.

With Mourinho having added Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to his squad, and with Paul Pogba close to completing a move, Forlan expects United to be title challengers.

“As soon as Jose Mourinho was given the job, I knew that he was the right man for Manchester United,” Forlan told Goal.

“They have had a few seasons which their fans will not have been used to and it was going to take a coach of Mourinho’s experience and influence to guide the club back to where they are expected to be.

“Manchester United looked a long way off winning the title last season and, even with Mourinho in charge, I thought this would have to be a year of transition for them, but now I am not so sure.

“They have signed very well, and if they manage to also sign Pogba, I think they can be real contenders.”

Forlan, whose final appearance for United in August 2004 came in Mourinho’s first Premier League match as Chelsea manager, feels the lack of Champions League football will also boost his old club’s title chances.

He added: “They have no Champions League football next season, and I am sure Mourinho will use the Europa League as a chance to develop the youngsters at the club.

“Like Leicester last season they can give their big players a week’s rest between games, and that could make all the difference for them.”

Zidane’s teenage son included in Real Madrid squad for tomorrow’s Uefa Super Cup

A new app mocking Gonzalo Higuain’s weight has been released

Author
View 27 comments
Close
27 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keefe Horgan
    Favourite Keefe Horgan
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 7:25 PM

    Harry Kane coming in couldn’t have helped

    79
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dontletitslip
    Favourite dontletitslip
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 9:38 PM

    Jes*s lads I really hope none of you or your families suffer from depression or are affected by suicide, if thats the way you go on you won’t be getting much help from around you.
    Regardless of money or status depression will get you and many many incredibly successful people have committed suicide when the darkness gets too much.
    Not a time nor a place for idiot comments like above.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Dolan
    Favourite James Dolan
    Report
    May 21st 2015, 12:37 AM

    The very first comment I have ever agreed with you on.

    As Rio found out…money can only go so far.Felt heart broken for him ans his kids.

    So be happy if you are lucky enough to have your close loved ones healthy and happy.

    Mental health has an unhealthy stigma attached to it. If you cannot see it…it does not exist…

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dontletitslip
    Favourite dontletitslip
    Report
    May 21st 2015, 8:02 AM

    Thanks James ;)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Spillane
    Favourite Mike Spillane
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 9:02 PM

    Probably after a transfer to another family.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Now or Never
    Favourite Now or Never
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 8:33 PM

    What a gowl, wanted to commit suicide over “problems” like that, go see a doc!!! Could do with considering what other poor people are going through, real problems!!!!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Dolan
    Favourite James Dolan
    Report
    May 21st 2015, 1:03 AM

    Now or never.

    Because having money solves all…doesn’t it?

    Rich have no problems…go see a Doc. All solved.

    Shocking.

    What is a little problem to someone maybe a big one to some one else. No one knows the inner workings of another ones mind.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Connery
    Favourite Anthony Connery
    Report
    May 21st 2015, 1:19 AM

    All these boys with their comments are so brave hiding behind fake names!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute kalpol
    Favourite kalpol
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 8:54 PM

    Adebayor……. Adebayor….
    Your dads a drug dealer
    And your mothers a wh**e
    Adebayor….

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cathal O'Connor
    Favourite Cathal O'Connor
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 9:03 PM

    Not really the place for this

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David O Connor
    Favourite David O Connor
    Report
    May 20th 2015, 9:38 PM

    He didn’t even get it right. Having spent a lot of time hating him I’m actually starting to feel sorry for him. Adebayor that is, not this other idiot.

    36
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.