Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are wondering if Jose Mourinho is going to replace the retiring Michael Carrick with Monaco superstar Fabinho – a role that needs some big boots to fill it.

After Paul Scholes’ retirement came the emergence of former Spurs man Carrick, a master of the midfield to spray the ball around the park and make United tick, proving the link between defence and attack. The pair were similar in a sense that they always seemed to have acres of space around them to make the right decisions and since, Carrick has been a permanent fixture, injuries aside, during United’s glory years.

However, this era is coming to an end come May and many of the regulars will be sad to see him retire, much like they were with Scholes. Indeed, Mourinho may opt for highly-rated Brazilian Fabinho to come into the side and directly replace Carrick, with a summer move last year blocked due to the sheer number of outgoings Monaco had, so this year he could get the move he desires.

So, if Mourinho wants this type of player in his team going forward, our landlord believes that there are TWO other players the Portuguese coach is simply missing a trick by not pursuing this summer…

Jorginho

The Napoli midfielder is a master of the short and simple passing game, much like Carrick. So far this season, he tops the European table for short passing accuracy and is the core of the Serie A side’s title-chasing form.

Jorginho is happy to sit back and let the ball do the work and, with his immense vision, United could have another player on their hands that can make easy work for his teammates around him. The Italian is still only young and is more than comfortable grabbing a goal alongside assisting his team, which will more than please Mourinho.

Toni Kroos

The Real Madrid centre-midfielder seems to be the ideal replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick and, a much more experienced alternative to Fabinho. Having nearly joined United in the past, a move to Old Trafford seems inevitable at some point for the German star and one that would be largely welcomed by the Red Devils.

Should Kroos choose to make the move this summer from Madrid to Manchester, it could be the missing ingredient that United have long needed to turn themselves into true title contenders.