Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United from 2016 to 2018 remains one of the most debated managerial periods in the club’s recent history. Though he delivered trophies—including the Europa League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield—his time at Old Trafford was often marked by tension, particularly regarding his public criticisms of certain players. At the heart of Mourinho’s concerns was his belief that some of his squad lacked the necessary mentality, consistency, and hunger to succeed at the highest level.
Years after his departure, many of the players he criticized have struggled to reach their full potential, while others have moved on. As Manchester United continues to endure ups and downs, Mourinho’s comments are being re-evaluated. Was he right about these players? Where are they now? Let’s take a deep dive.
Mourinho’s Concerns About Player Attitude and Commitment
During his time in charge, Mourinho did not shy away from voicing his frustrations. He openly questioned the mentality of some of his key players, particularly Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, and Jesse Lingard. His accusations ranged from a lack of tactical understanding to a perceived immaturity that he felt was holding them back.
Mourinho’s criticisms often came across as harsh, but in retrospect, they may have been prophetic. Several of these players have since struggled with inconsistency, injuries, or a decline in form. Let’s examine where they are now.
Marcus Rashford: From Future Star to Uncertain Future
Then: A Rising Star Under Mourinho
During Mourinho’s tenure, Marcus Rashford was seen as one of the brightest young talents in English football. His pace, skill, and ability to score crucial goals made him an exciting prospect. However, Mourinho was concerned about Rashford’s lack of tactical discipline and occasional wastefulness in front of goal.
Now: Facing an Uncertain Future at United
Rashford has had flashes of brilliance since Mourinho left, notably his impressive 2022-23 season where he scored 30 goals in all competitions. However, his performances have been inconsistent, and his recent form under current manager Ruben Amorim has been concerning. Reports suggest that Rashford has been excluded from recent matchday squads after expressing his desire for a “new challenge.”
Mourinho often emphasized the importance of mentality, and Rashford’s current struggles highlight some of the concerns the Portuguese coach raised years ago. With his future at Old Trafford uncertain, Rashford’s career trajectory is at a crossroads.
Anthony Martial: Unfulfilled Potential
Then: A Player Mourinho Never Fully Trusted
When Mourinho arrived, Anthony Martial was seen as one of the most talented young forwards in Europe. However, Mourinho frequently benched him, often favoring more defensively disciplined players. He criticized Martial’s work ethic and attitude, suggesting that the Frenchman lacked the drive to be an elite player.
Now: A Forgotten Figure at United
Fast forward to 2025, and Martial has failed to establish himself as a consistent performer. Plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, he has struggled to secure a starting role. Even under different managers, Martial has not reached the heights that were once expected of him.
Mourinho’s frustrations with Martial seem justified in hindsight. Despite his talent, the forward has never been able to consistently deliver, making his long-term future at United uncertain.
Luke Shaw: Resurgence but Continued Inconsistencies
Then: A Fractured Relationship with Mourinho
Mourinho was famously critical of Luke Shaw, often questioning his fitness levels and decision-making. At one point, he even suggested that Shaw was playing with “his body but Mourinho’s brain,” indicating that the defender lacked tactical intelligence.
Now: A Mix of Highs and Lows
After Mourinho’s departure, Shaw experienced a resurgence, becoming one of the Premier League’s best left-backs under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later under Erik ten Hag. However, injuries have continued to disrupt his progress, and he remains an inconsistent presence in the squad.
While Shaw has improved significantly since Mourinho’s departure, the concerns about his fitness and consistency still linger. Mourinho’s tough love may have played a role in Shaw’s eventual improvement, but the underlying issues Mourinho highlighted have never fully disappeared.
Jesse Lingard: A Career That Faded Away
Then: Mourinho’s Warning Signs
Jesse Lingard was a key figure under Mourinho, scoring in the 2017 EFL Cup final and playing an important role in United’s Europa League triumph. However, Mourinho had concerns about Lingard’s focus and professionalism, especially off the pitch.
Now: Out of Manchester United and Struggling
Lingard left Manchester United in 2022 after falling down the pecking order. While he had a brief revival at West Ham United, where he thrived on loan, he struggled to maintain that level once he returned to Old Trafford. Eventually, he moved on to other clubs but never recaptured his best form.
Mourinho’s concerns about Lingard’s mentality and consistency proved to be well-founded. Despite his talent, Lingard never fully established himself as a long-term asset for Manchester United.
The Broader Implications for Manchester United
Mourinho’s criticisms of these players were often dismissed at the time as unnecessary or overly negative. However, years later, many of the issues he highlighted remain relevant. Several of the players he questioned have either left the club or continue to struggle with form and consistency.
More broadly, Manchester United as a whole has not progressed significantly since Mourinho’s departure. The club has gone through multiple managerial changes, yet the same problems persist—poor mentality, lack of leadership, and inconsistent performances.
Mourinho’s belief that United needed players with stronger mental resilience and a more ruthless attitude seems to have been proven correct. His reign may not have been perfect, but his assessments of some players appear to have been more accurate than many were willing to admit at the time.
Was Mourinho Right?
Looking at where his former players are now, it’s hard to argue against Mourinho’s judgment. While his communication style was often abrasive, the core of his criticism was valid. Many of the players he doubted have struggled with inconsistency, and some have failed to live up to their early potential.
Manchester United’s struggles since Mourinho’s departure suggest that he was not the root of the club’s problems but rather someone who identified deeper issues that still remain. If United are to return to the top, they may need to embrace some of the hard truths that Mourinho pointed out years ago.
In the end, while Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United ended on a sour note, history may be kinder to his assessment of the squad. Whether the club will learn from those lessons remains to be seen.
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