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Mourinho and Benitez: The latest instalment in a long-running rivalry

Off-pitch excitement

Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez’s unique relationship began over a decade ago. As younger, upcoming managers, the pair duelled numerous times a season while managing Chelsea and Liverpool. Mourinho was bringing the upstart Blues to compete with the biggest in Europe and England, while Benitez was the leader of a club searching for a return to the top.

The football was frequently dull. Two pragmatists in high-pressure matches did not make for many thrillers, it made us all doubt if football was actually a form of entertainment after all. The managerial sideshow became the main event, with neither feigning great love for the other.

Controversy became a staple of the matches. As their careers meandered, their paths crossed again when Benitez succeeded Mourinho at Inter. A few passing jibes were sent by Mourinho, as they were again when Mourinho followed Benitez at Chelsea a few years later.

Then, Benitez took the brave step to swoop in at a languishing Newcastle. The Spaniard stuck through a relegation, and he brought them back to the top flight. In the meantime, Mourinho was at the centre of another Chelsea storm. The blustery winds at Stamford Bridge quickly spat Mourinho out the door again. Before long, though, he was back in the highest profile of roles at Old Trafford.

 

Keep your enemies closer

They will be reunited on Saturday evening in a fixture blessed with history. There have been many classic encounters between the two clubs, but very few will be expecting that this weekend. It has its significance for each manager, and each team, though. Unlike the late 90s, this is not a grudge match for league position. It will, however, provide the next episode in a bitter managerial rivalry.

During a dragging international break, murmurs began that Mourinho is interested in a move to Paris Saint Germain. An unlimited budget and a chance to be a hero at the club would appeal to anyone. To Mourinho, though, this may be little more than a tactic to force ‘support’ from Manchester United, whether it be yet more funds for players, or a bump in his own salary.

It’s a minor rumour at the moment, but a sign that things are not quite right at Old Trafford. His negative tactics have been criticised, and already being eight points behind Manchester City sets up for another season of domestic disappointment. Having lost two of their last three in the league, this fixture is a crucial one for Mourinho to adjust the direction of his club.

 

Rebuild time for Newcastle

Newcastle, meanwhile, have had their own blip. What looked like building into a decent run has seen consecutive league defeats. The Magpies are everything you expect from a Benitez side, and their Premier League status already looks pretty safe. Two 1-0 defeats to Burnley and Bournemouth brought an underwhelming end to a favourable run of fixtures, though. Their trip to Old Trafford is followed by the visit of the impressive Watford, an away day at West Brom and an early December clash with Chelsea.

Such is Benitez’s expertise, even that challenging schedule should be of little concern for Newcastle. He will guide the Magpies to safety, but the two defeats have complicated the situation a little. There is now a touch of uncertainty, that could quickly evolve into some unnecessary pressure ahead of the Christmas run-in. Benitez will be wary of halting this dip before the rot sets in.

It goes without saying that victory this weekend is more important for Mourinho than Benitez, however. Failure to win for the hosts could see them slip into fourth. This is no routine victory, though, with Benitez’s side are well-suited to upsetting the rhythm of this Manchester United team. Their defence will sit deep, and they are the exact type opponent that proved to be kryptonite for Manchester United last season. Those same problems have not been quite as evident this season, but their creativity has been distinctly limited of late.

 

Perfect Day for Rafa

An organisational masterclass saw Newcastle snatch a point from Liverpool at St James’ Park earlier this season, and a similar game plan will be scribbled onto the tactics boards in preparation for this fixture.

We might not have the soundbites from Mourinho before the match, but we can be sure that we will have some afterwards if Benitez takes anything away from Old Trafford. As was the case during the harshest days of their Chelsea and Liverpool clashes, Benitez has the benefit of limited expectation. The onus is on the hosts, and Benitez can set his side up solely to frustrate, just as he would like.

A repeat of the 3-3 from January last year would be the most surprising result of the season. Cagey is more likely than thrilling, but we should appreciate it for what it is: two of the world’s best tacticians reigniting a rivalry that dates back over 10 years.