Manchester United face struggles to find glory after Sir Alex Ferguson’s era is currently in tatters. Last season’s chance for the Red Devils to return to glory was rudely swept aside by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. This season, troubles have only been on the rise and redemption seems bleak.

The club’s current form depicts the exact picture of United. Currently seventh on the League table, they have the worst attacking and defensive record among the big six. They have also let in 23 goals with a goal difference of -1. The attacking department hasn’t fared well too, only scoring 8 goals at Old Trafford.

Reflecting on the somewhat successful season in the Premier League, Mourinho told Brazilian television network RedeTV!,

“Last year I said that being in second place was a fantastic thing, due to the qualities we had compared to the qualities of the other teams that are fighting for the top four.”

After the recent 2-2 draw against Southampton which saw the club drop two more important points, the Portuguese manager added,

“This year, with more problems, we have had proof of what I said in the the start of the season — that it would be a very difficult season. The aim is to try to win as many points as possible and try almost a miracle to finish fourth.”

These problems don’t seem to end. MUFC are currently without 8 first-team defenders: Antonio Valencia, Victor Lindelöf, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Diogo Dalot, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw are all injured, while Ashley Young lies suspended after picking up a fifth booking in the last match. This leaves Manchester United with Phil Jones the only fit centre-half but he is also being assessed after picking up a knock in the previous game. The upcoming game against Arsenal may see Nemanja Matić and Scott McTominay slotted in the Red Devils’ backline.

If the Devils fail to beat the Gunners this time around, it will result in them being 11 points off Champions League places, in dire need of a change in fortunes. Beating the resurgent Gunners will not be an easy task as they currently are on a 19 match unbeaten run, high on a victory against North London rivals Tottenham in a thrilling 4-2 victory.

Mourinho conceded that they would need a miracle to reach the top 4 this season; he may be right if results don’t start to turn around. Previous United managers David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were sacked after they failed to qualify for the Champions League, and the incumbent manager could be facing the same fate too – he is currently the bookmaker’s favorite as the next manager to be sacked in the Premier League.

It looks like only a miracle will see Mourinho managing United next season and maybe bring back glory days.