The saga as to who will be in charge at Manchester United next season appears to be all but over, much to the relief of the United fans here at the Transfer Tavern.
After the Red Devil’s FA Cup Final victory – which saw them bring home the club’s first trophy since 2013 – the sacking of manager Louis Van Gaal was announced, shortly followed by reports from the BBC that Jose Mourinho was to fill the vacant position next season.
Although it seemed inevitable, the manor in which Van Gaal was dismissed has caused plenty of controversy, with the Dutchman picking up many admirers during the process due to how he handled the turmoil at Old Trafford.
A narrative that has been going on for months, it comes as solace to all parties involved that it has come to its end, United fans can now look forward to a new generation ahead of the them at Old Trafford with the mercurial Jose Mourinho at the clubs helm.
Reports from the Mirror suggest Mourinho’s first signing will be PSG star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he could join in thenext 48 hours – Ibra’s been long linked with a move to the Premier League. Re-united with his old boss, Ibrahimovic will hope he can guide United back to their former glory.
Mourinho, check. Ibra, check. So who is next? Our landlord at the Tavern thinks this is what the Red Devil’s could line up like next season …..
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PRESS THE IMAGE OF MOURINHO BELOW TO SEE THE XI!
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GK – David De Gea
United fans will be dying for their talismanic keeper to stay at Old Trafford next season, amidst rumours he will finally make the long talk about switch to Real Madrid in the summer.
De Gea was arguably United’s player of the season (again), coming to the Red’s rescue on more than one occasion and being the driving force behind their excellent defensive record.
RB – Matteo Darmian
Although Darmian’s form has dipped since the turn of the year, the 26-year-old Italian full back has shown glimpses of his ability.
Much like Patrice Evra who also had a first difficult season in England, Darmian will hope he can rediscover the form under new manager Mourinho that warranted his £12.7 million move from Torino.
CB – Chris Smalling
Smalling has endured a rough time during his United career.
Continually criticised early on, the Englishman has conquered his critics to prove he’s one of the best centre backs in the Premier League.
Commanding in the air and beginning to prove himself an excellent leader, Smalling will hope he will have an excellent Euro 2016 to carry on through to next season.
CB – Raphael Varane
The France and Real Madrid centre back has been vocal with his unhappiness at the Bernabeu this season, having struggled for playing time under Zinedine Zidane.
A player Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign back in 2011, Mourinho is now determined to bring the talented youngster to Old Trafford according to the Daily Star.
LB – Bruno Martins Indi
Perhaps for famous for his eyes than his football, however that stare should not detract from the Holland international’s undoubted ability.
Martins Indi was reportedly scouted by United back in January, and following his continued good form throughout the latter half of the season, a move for the 24-year-old seems likely.
CDM – Daley Blind
Blind did a remarkable job filling at a centre half this season, despite it not being the Dutchman’s preferred that position.
Alongside Chris Smalling, the pair only leaked 35 goals all season, however if United are to move for Raphael Varane, it would allow Blind to move slightly further up in field into his favoured role where he can display his excellent range of passing and ability on the ball.
CM – Andre Gomes
One of Europe’s most sought after young midfielders, Gomes has impressed since his 2015 move to Valencia from Benfica, where he has scored 9 goals in 77 appearances for Los Che.
Pete Lim – the owner of Valencia – also owns Manchester club Salford City, so it is believed good relations between the two clubs may secure the 22-year-old’s signature ahead of Juventus who are also interested.
LM – Anthony Martial
Need I say anything here? The fans at the Transfer Tavern agree Martial is the first name in this starting XI.
One of the hottest prospects in the world football, the Frenchman stepped up and became United’s main man this season following his mega money move from Monaco last summer.
The Reds’ top scorer and their go-to-guy to produce a moment of magic when they need it.
RM – Jesse Lingard
What a volley that was to secure United’s FA Cup Final victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The goal topped what has been a terrific season for young Lingard, who has become a first team regular at Old Trafford under Louis Van Gaal.
Unlucky not to get an England call up, the youngster has been mightily impressive, adding creativity and skill to a midfield that had lacked such in the early parts of the season.
ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibra revealed in his autobiography that he would ‘die’ for Mourinho, such was the bond the pair shared during their time together at Inter Milan.
The outspoken striker is set to rejoin his old mentor at Old Trafford and spearhead their title charge next season, having agreed to leave current club PSG as a club legend, having guided them to 3 successive Ligue 1 titles.
