By Joe Merrill
The worst kept secret in English football is whether or not Jose Mourinho will manage Manchester United next year.
United executives have been quick to back current gaffer Louis van Gaal, but are not as quick to deny reports that the Special One will end up at Old Trafford.
If he is appointed to the managerial role this summer he will have a busy summer of transfers.
When it comes to the Portuguese manager addressing needs, he will have to take into account the current players that would excel under his management style.
Here are SEVEN current Manchester United players that could be key to the Mourinho revolution at Old Trafford……
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE SEVEN PLAYERS!
[/ffc-gallery]
David de Gea
Everywhere Mourinho has had success there’s been a reliable keeper in net.
If the Spanish keeper were to stay at Manchester United and not venture to Real Madrid, he could play a huge role in the success during the Mourinho era.
De Gea has been the most consistent player for the Red Devils this year single handedly keeping United in matches on a weekly basis.
Marcus Rashford
The starlet set to sign a new contract can develop into one of the best finishers in the Premier League under Mourinho.
With seven goals in 12 appearances in all competitions, he has quickly turned into an important figure at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old has scored two Europa League goals and one FA Cup goal. A player who can find the back of the net in big matches could fit well with Mourinho.
Anthony Martial
The 20-year-old French international could become an excellent playmaker in the attacking third as Mourinho has a history of facilitating creativity on the pitch.
The Portuguese manager might go to the transfer window for attacking threats, but he has a great young duo already at Old Trafford in Martial and Rashford.
The £58 million man should be used to his full strengths in the Mourinho era at United. With more attention likely coming Rashford’s way, Martial will have more of an opportunity to play freely on the pitch.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Other than Rashford, Fosu-Mensah may be the most talked about youngster for United these days.
He has impressed early in the back four and is the most versatile of the Red Devil’s young talent as he can play almost anywhere else on the pitch.
He’s drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba and could be the perfect fit for Mourinho’s traditional #6.
The Special One could use him as he did with Claude Makelele and Nemanja Matic in his two spells with Chelsea.
His awareness with and without the ball could disrupt play from the opponent and start the attack from the middle of the pitch.
Adnan Januzaj
Januzaj received praise from Mourinho in 2014.
The then-Chelsea manager said of the then-18-year-old, “the boy is so mature and comfortable and he is a very good and important player.”
He is also another versatile youngster and can play anywhere in the attacking third.
The Belgian’s career at United has been rocky with injuries and discipline issues, but at 21, Januzaj could fare well under the Portuguese manager.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Schneiderlin has been one of the more impressive players and his style of play in the middle of pitch could fit into a Mourinho-like system.
It’s likely the midfielder will see a lot of time on the pitch under him.
While at Chelsea last season, the Special One expressed interest in trying to sign Schneiderlin.
He could be another holding midfielder to command the match for Mourinho.
Daley Blind
There’s likely to be some sort of mass exodus at Old Trafford when Mourinho arrives that will probably include the likes of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini.
One player that will most likely stay is Daley Blind.
The Dutchman could play a role similar to that of Paolo Ferreira, Tiago and Ramires did while under the Special One.
The Portuguese will have a valuable talent in Blind should he make the move to United.
