Kaka's Real Madrid misery mirrors Jose Mourinho's woes

Kaka was sent off for the first time in his career after picking up two soft yellow cards in 18 minutes, a microcosm of his disappointing time in the Spanish capital, writes Andy Mitten.

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 15: Real Madrid CF head coach Jose Mourinho looks on during the Copa del Rey quarter final, first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 15, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** 159546308.jpg
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Manchester United have enjoyed their best ever start to the league, eclipsing their 2006/07 run. United were halted in Europe that season by Kaka's outstanding performances for AC Milan in the semi-finals.

Kaka was the best player in the world and he is still the second most expensive, yet he is unlikely to even start when United play Real Madrid next month. Madrid's No 8 has started just one of the team's 18 league games so far this season and has come off the bench in six.

The Brazilian was given an outing when he was introduced as a 57th-minute substitute at bottom of the table Osasuna at the weekend. His previous performance was in the defeat at Malaga, the one before that in the cup defeat at Celta Vigo.

Maybe Jose Mourinho hoped he could thread the defence-splitting passes of old to get a breakthrough against a side who have scored just 14 goals all season, the lowest in the league.

Instead, Kaka was sent off for the first time in his career after picking up two soft yellow cards in 18 minutes, a microcosm of his disappointing time in the Spanish capital.

Madrid were dire, playing like they did not care. They did not have a single shot on goal until stoppage time. The fans are not happy, not the non-match goers on the internet who vote for change on a whim, but those who frequent the Bernabeu. Mourinho will be judged on the games against United.

Lose and his position will be untenable in the eyes of the majority who pay his wages.

sports@thenational.ae

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