It’s looking increasingly likely that Jose Mourinho will be handed the reins at Manchester United over the summer as the post-Louis van Gaal era is slowly becoming more important than the post-Sir Alex.
There was room for a transition in the wake of the departure of the famous old Scot, which the club duly made the most of with poor decision after poor decision.
Now, however, there really is no room to mess around. Though Manchester City have barely been light years ahead of their not-so-noisy-neighbours this season, the arrival of Pep Guardiola in the summer can’t be understated.
Having progressed through to the semi-finals of the Champions League too, City are certainly on the up.
Chelsea have been awful this season, but how long is that likely to last? United can’t be praying for another nightmare season at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are as Arsenal as ever, though did lead the title surge at times and have shown signs of improvement against bigger teams. It’s just what they do when the pressure is on that lets them down.
Spurs and Leicester are an unknown quantity beyond this season though are currently far more exciting projects than the Red Devils. West Ham too.
So, Mourinho is a quick fix. That’s what United need.
Clearly, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ can’t do it all himself, with the club needing yet more big name players to progress despite their ludicrous level of investment over the past two seasons.
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Who could he bring in? Well click the image to see who we here in the Transfer Tavern thinks could follow him through the doors at the Theatre of Dreams.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It clearly doesn’t take a genius to tell you that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be a good signing.
The talismanic Swede has been in rampant form this season, perhaps his best in recent memory, despite being the ripe old age of 34.
While the numbers reportedly involved to tempt a man with no sell on value and who realistically only has a few years left don’t add up, he simply is a must.
Having won trophies literally everywhere he has been, he’ll give the Red Devils star quality both on and off the field and restore the winning mentality that has been so painfully absent over the past few years.
As well as scoring a shed load of goals.
Renato Sanches
It’s always dangerous turning to burgeoning talent when in need of quick-fixes and all the pressures that come with it, but United can take encouragement from the development of Anthony Martial since his move from Monaco.
While paying up to £40m for an 18-year old sounds ridiculous, Renato Sanches is exactly the sort of player the Red Devils need.
A midfield powerhouse, he demands the ball from teammates before surging forward and breaking behind enemy lines.
John Stones
John Stones is without doubt a hugely talented footballer with quite frankly enormous potential.
Granted, there’s been a dip in form this season and the 21-year old’s stock has somewhat dropped since it was reported a number of top class European clubs were interested in making a £50m move.
However, we must remember he is in fact just 21. Gifted with the ball at his feet, his decision making WILL improve and he will then have the tools to become one of the best defenders in Europe.
Considering how much Mourinho tried to land him while with Chelsea last season, it would be no surprise at all to see the former Barnsley youngster end up at Old Trafford.
James Rodriguez
Another hugely talented young talent whose stock has plummeted within the last few months.
Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is reportedly up for sale in the Spanish capital after falling out with manager Zinedine Zidane amid a host of personal issues and a dip in form.
The Colombian was the hero of the World Cup in 2014 and is one of few genuine top class Number 10s said to be available this summer.
With the Red Devils lacking a huge amount of creativity this season, the 24-year old would certainly spark up proceedings.
Kenny Tete
Nowhere near as big a name perhaps, but Ajax defender Kenny Tete has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The highly rated Dutch international is a strong defender, able to operate either centrally or at right-back, areas the club have struggled to convince in this season.
Matteo Darmian hasn’t worked at all since his debut while surely Antonio Valencia will not be a first-choice under the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’.
