It’s been quite a turnaround for the Manchester United in the Transfer Tavern in the past few months, as they’ve seen their side turn from Premier League fodder into a side on the brink of the Champions League spots.
The midweek results saw United draw level on points with fourth-placed rivals Manchester City and there’s every chance Louis Van Gaal could redeem himself with qualification for the Champions League- although that’s still unlikely to save him from losing his job.
Of course, the name of everyone’s lips is Jose Mourinho, as it has been since mid-December, and with a mountain of cash available for the Portuguese boss to invest there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about next season.
Not least down to the latest reports, which suggest that Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo have handed in transfer requests. With Manchester United interested in both players, they could form part of a dream XI at Old Trafford- and we’ve looked at exactly how the team could line-up.
Hit Mourinho below to see the DREAM Manchester United XI under his guidance!
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GK: David De Gea
Embroiled in the transfer saga of the summer last season, there’s every chance that Manchester United will have a stern test on their hands again at the end of the season to keep David De Gea out of the clutches of Real Madrid.
However, United will be desperate to ensure they keep hold of the Spaniard as he’s shown once again this season that he’s one of the most talented goalkeepers in the division. His form has helped United claw back into the race for Champions League football, which could be decisive in keeping their big players.
If he does leave, United will command a hefty price for his signature and De Gea’s contract renewal earlier this season gives the Red Devils scope to adopt a stern stance.
RB: Matteo Darmian
The full-back signed last summer from Italy has endured a mixed time this season, with his campaign marred by injury problems, but the 26-year-old is still the best candidate to adopt the right-sided berth in United’s defence.
With 18 Premier League appearances this season, Darmian has quickly settled into the pace of the Premier League and should only improve as he approaches the prime year of his career. He may see the club sign a right-back to provide competition or back-up but Darmian should definitely remain as United’s first choice.
CB: Sergio Ramos
The Spanish centre-back has won everyone he possibly could in Spanish football, whilst he’s also experienced vast success on the international stage with Spain and on the continent with Real Madrid- where he was part of ‘La Decima’ winning side of 2014.
Now though, the 29-year-old is reported to be seeking new pastures and Manchester United, who hold long-term interest in the defender, will be desperate to secure his signature. You may remember the Spaniard being heavily linked to United previously, using their interest as leverage in new contract discussions, but his time in the Spanish capital could be coming to an end.
A controversial figure in Spain, though adored by the Real Madrid supporters, Ramos won’t come cheap but it could be his last chance to play in the Premier League.
CB: Chris Smalling
In what has, up until recently, been a fairly lacklustre season for Manchester United, defender Chris Smalling has been the bright spark and a leading light at the heart of the Red Devil’s back-line.
Favoured to succeed Wayne Rooney as captain, the England international has proved himself to be indispensable to the Manchester United team and he’s likely to remain in that position following the summer’s transfer activity.
With the right additions around and in front of him, Smalling could genuinely lead United back to success.
LB: Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has seen his season written off through a long-term injury, after sustaining a broken leg in the first Champions League group match of the season against PSV Eindhoven, and he’s unlikely to feature until next season.
Fortunately, the full-back doesn’t turn 21 until the summer and he’s considered to be one of the finest defensive prospects in world football. With the right guidance, Shaw can become a legendary figure at Old Trafford and he should remain first-choice on the left.
A more experienced full-back could be signed to provide cover and competition, whilst also helping Shaw develop, but the former Southampton man must remain first-choice.
CDM: Saul Niguez
The Atletico Madrid talent is locked in a contract stand-off with the Spanish giants after he rejected a new contract and Manchester United, who have scouted the player for the past 12 months, are reportedly ready to match his £25m release clause.
Just 21-years-old, Saul has forced his way into the Atletico first-team picture this season and is one of the brightest young talents of Spanish football. Capable of playing in central midfield or in a deeper holding role, he’s the perfect candidate to sit in front of a new-look United defence.
With Saul in the side, the more attacking players ahead of him will have freedom to roam and get forward without worrying too much about defending.
RM: Memphis Depay
Manchester United’s £25m arrival from PSV Eindhoven last summer as struggled in his first season at Old Trafford, which included a spell where he was dropped from the first-team, but he has done enough to show his quality potential.
The Dutch international has caught the eye with flashes of brilliance and if he finds this form consistently, then he can achieve astonishing things. With the right team around him, Depay can relax without the pressure that’s been attracted by his hefty price-tag.
He’s by no means the finished article but United also shouldn’t abandon hope in the player, who could become his own in United’s legendary number 7 shirt.
CM: Juan Mata
Although Juan Mata and Jose Mourinho had a turbulent relationship during their time together at Chelsea, which led to the boss selling the Spanish midfielder to United, on current form Juan Mata simply cannot be dropped.
He’s proved inspirational in United’s revival and will continue to remain that way until the close of the season. Next term, with the right players around him and the right role in the squad, Mata can achieve a higher level.
With a more attacking role in this line-up, Mata can have more of an impact further down the field but his experience in player deeper will also prove to be beneficial.
LM: Gareth Bale
With Real Madrid reportedly unhappy with Gareth Bale’s injury record, there’s every chance the Spanish giants could cut their ties with the world’s most expensive player this summer and allow United to finally complete a signing they’ve been eyeing for years.
A target for United during his days with Tottenham Hotspur, both David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal were unsuccessful in approaches for the Welshman but a deal could come about this summer- especially if Real Madrid sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea.
Whilst his injury record is a concern, Bale’s talent cannot be overlooked and he’d be a phenomenal player for United to add to their ranks.
ST: Gonzalo Higuain
With Gonzalo Higuain seemingly hitting a brick wall with Napoli, who failed to quality for this season’s Champions League and face a stern test to earn a spot in next season’s competition, the 28-year-old has once again been linked with a transfer.
The former Real Madrid forward will attract a lot of interest but with a monumental price-tag of £62m, the sides capable of securing his services are limited. However Manchester United, with their abundance of funds, won’t have a problem in matching that price.
Whether Higuain is the sort of player Jose Mourinho wants remains to be seen but the forward’s brilliant scoring record cannot be overlooked. With guaranteed goals, Higuain has to be an option.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo
The golden boy of Manchester United and already a heroic figure at the club, fans have dreamt of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford ever since he packed his bags and left to join Real Madrid in the first place.
With Ronaldo growing frustrated of no longer being the big figure at Real Madrid, and the club looking for changes, the Portuguese international and multiple-time Ballon D’Or winner could return to England this summer- especially as reports state he’s handed in a transfer request.
It may take a record-deal to bring Ronaldo back to the Premier League but there’s no arguments to state that he wouldn’t be worth it- even if he is now 31 and approaching the twilight years of his career.
