The Burden of Living Under The Legacy of Greatness

The name Manchester United is synonymous with one thing, and that's winning. However, in the years post Sir Alex Ferguson, it would seem the results haven't been forthcoming.

Couple that with the stewardship of a serial winner like Jose Mourinho the weight of expectation to get back to the glory days is magnified tenfold. And probably more than ever before both United and Mourinho constantly find themselves under constant criticism.

Critism which at times this season has been somewhat harsh when you consider where the Red Devils are right now as opposed to previous seasons.

This is the point Mourinho made when he spoke to the BBC after their the Red Devils triumphed in their semi-final against Spurs on Saturday.

"We should ask ourselves why there is too many critics on all of us? We can finish second with six more points. To do that with all the fantastic teams we play against will be an achievement for a club that couldn't do it for a few years now."

Sure their title bid faded into the periphery as City strolled off with the league title, yes they haven't dazzled that much and they did drop a winnable Champions League tie against Sevilla, but while things haven't been perfect its observable that things under Mourinho are improving.

"If we can finish the season with two victories and one draw and finish the season with 81 points, if we managed to do that, untouchable City, no chance to be in a fight with them, I think that is a good season," Mourinho said. "We can come to the final with a good spirit in the same spirit we came today."

It also goes without mentioning that a second place for United will be their highest finish since they last won the Premier League title back in 2013.

It also guarantees United successive seasons in the Champions League, a feat they haven't managed since Ferguson's retirement, which will put them in good stead as United can use it to gain some momentum as they make their way back to the top.

Even despite not being able to live up to expectations United have kept up with the habit of winning trophies having already added the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League to their trophy cabinet in recent seasons,  which is good because after all winning, as they say, is a habit. 

This bodes well as the Red Devils shown some glimpses of their potential, but they may need another or two to catch up with Man City.