Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern will be hoping that their players come back from the international break ready to lock up second place and have a real go of it in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Jose Mourinho has taken a huge step towards securing the Red Devils’ highest league finish since winning it last in 2013, by beating fierce rivals Liverpool 2-1 and opening up a bit of breathing space between the teams, despite the Reds closing the gap with a win against Watford.

Indeed, United at the moment are on a little run of momentum and certainly look in good form following wins over Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Liverpool in recent weeks. However, the loss and aftermath of the Sevilla defeat will surely be ringing in Mourinho’s ears for many weeks to come, and his pre and post-match interviews mark a sign of the intent to bring silverware not only this season but next.

The break gives Mourinho and the board a chance to take a look at a couple of potential targets for next season, that could change United from what they are now to title challengers in the Premier League. Here’s a look at what 2 players the Red Devils should be checking out…

Toby Alderweireld

The Belgian defender should be on United hot list in the summer, that’s for sure. Alderweireld’s game time has been massively reduced recently following his return from injury and life at Tottenham looks to be drawing to a close. Indeed, his contract is expiring soon and surely Spurs would want to cash in on the defender a year early than let him go for free.

United needs a central defender like the Belgian to partner Eric Bailly to start the foundation of a United team to challenge for the title once again.

Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos is probably one of the only players who can come into the side and potentially replace the retiring Micheal Carrick. A player to link the defence to the attack is just the type of player United need, and in Kroos that could have such a player to hand.

Kroos doesn’t have to prove himself on the national stage, however, watching him in a different format will give Mourinho a heads up as to where he is in his career. Just imagine a midfield trio of him, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.