Manchester United are a club in major transition as they look to remove the stale players at the club and bring the success back to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho certainly has his work cut out in an attempt to change the fortunes at United and convince our regulars here at the Transfer Tavern, that he is indeed the man for the challenge.
After another disappointing regime drew to a close last season, Mourinho was installed as the man tasked with revamping the United squad and he’s certainly made quite an impression thus far.
A move for Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has been on the cards and should Mourinho tempt Griezmann to leave Simeone, then United may become the most feared squad in England.
Their issues have been well documented but with only a few slight changes we may see a successful few years at Old Trafford once again.
This is a potential XI Man United could form should they sign the French international…..
David De Gea
We all know about De Gea’s quality and many of our locals here at the Tavern believe he’s the best in the world at what he does.
De Gea is still young and not in the prime years of his career.
Should he remain at the club and reject any proposals from Real Madrid, then he will become United’s greatest ever goalkeeper – a major statement.
De Gea getting even better is a scary thought for other Premier League front-men.
Matteo Darmian
The Italian international has struggled to settle into life in England, however his ability cannot be denied even if his form is poor.
Despite his poor form for his club, he continues to be called up to the Italian national team when there are many defenders competing for that coveted position.
Mourinho will be hopeful of obtaining the best from Darmian and keen to retrain his services despite reports linking him back to Italy.
Eric Bailly
The new summer signing has looked solid at the back for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season.
He has age on his side, and is a player that is no doubt set to get even better as he progresses through his career.
Chris Smalling
Sensational was the only word to describe Smalling last season and with him in the squad United look a much stronger prospect.
Getting sent off in the Manchester Derby in October 2014 has changed Smalling’s fortunes for the better and the England international has gone from strength to strength.
Smalling could become a future United captain and a perfect Jose Mourinho player.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has the potential to become one of the best full-backs in world football.
Unlike many full-backs in the modern game, Shaw has the ability to both defend and attack in equal measure.
A devastating leg break last season ruled him out of action for 9 months however Shaw has returned looking fitter and stronger this season.
Mourinho identifed Ashley Cole as one of his key players at Chelsea during the mid 2000’s and I’m certain he will look to do the same with Luke Shaw.
Ander Herrera
Herrera previously spent two years in the wilderness at Old Trafford, but under Jose Mourinho he has become a regularly selected for both club and country.
Herrera’s ability to travel from box-to-box has proved a major success story in recent weeks.
The former Bilbao player is evidently lacking a run of games and should he achieve this then what a player he may become.
Paul Pogba
The most expensive player in the world can undoubtedly dominate United’s midfield for years to come.
Pogba was desperately tracked by United all summer as the looked to bring home their former youth player, whom departed the club previously in 2012.
Still only 23 years-old Pogba looks mature beyond his years and could guide United to major success over the coming years with Mourinho at the helm – much to our landlord’s approval.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian may not have settled into life at Old Trafford as of yet but Mkhitaryan’s potential is there for all to see.
Mkhitaryan was signed this summer for £26million after being named the Bundesliga’s player of the year.
Mkhitaryan has the credentials to be a success and provide much needed goals and assists to an evidently weak Manchester United attack.
£26million may look like a bargain fee should Mourinho get Mkhitaryan firing on all fronts once again.
Anthony Martial
A troubled personal life has seen a major dip in form for Martial this season however his 17 goals last campaign proved pivotal to United’s cup and league success.
Signed for £36 million, eye brows were raised by many of our locals when he made the move from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, nonetheless it’s not difficult to see why United paid so much for his services.
Played on the left-wing Martial can be devastating and adds much needed pace to a very lethargic squad.
Marcus Rashford
England’s next Alan Shearer?
Marcus Rashford has got all it takes to become a sensation at Manchester United.
Proving his form of last year was no fluke, the United youth graduate has continued in the same vein of form this campaign.
Rashford is expected to lead the line at Old Trafford for years to come and was one of the highlights for United last season in a very disappointing season.
The Wythenshaw lad has gone from rags to riches in recent months much which has seen celebrationary rounds from all our locals at the Tavern, as they cheer on the future England forward.
Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid will do all they can to prevent Griezmann departing for pastures new. however our landlord thinks a move could materialise.
Griezmann is certainly a potential Ballon D’or winner and is also capable of achieving great things in England, but even more terrifying could be his potential partnership with Marcus Rashford.
Many of our United regulars are watering at the mouth of the prospect of the duo linking up together!
