Manchester United’s reluctance to spend during the January transfer window, despite requiring added firepower up top, extra speed out wide, further depth in defence and laying six points off a Champions League spot, has only enhanced the theory that Jose Mourinho will replace Louis van Gaal in the summer.
After all, why shell out untold fortunes in January if you’re going to bring in a new manager with new ideas who will want new players just six months down the line? Likewise, the evidence suggesting the Speical One will be in the Old Trafford hot seat next season has only grown since the winter window slammed shut, with BBC Sport reporting that negotiations are already underway.
So with that in mind and the summer window by no means as far away as it may seem, we’ve taken a look at SIX signings that could help ‘Mourinho-ise’ Manchester United – bringing the club’s current squad closer towards the Portuguese’s notoriously pragmatic philosophy…
ROMELU LUKAKU
Romelu Lukaku and Jose Mourinho didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye during their short time together at Stamford Bridge, but the Special One has always favoured powerful centre-forwards and the Everton striker is rapidly emerging as one of the best in the business.
The Belgium international isn’t exactly a kindred spirit with Didier Drogba but there are obvious similarities in style, both boasting imposing frames that offer pace, strength and leap in almost equal measure.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old’s goal tally is becoming impossible to ignore for a club who have scored the fewest times of any team in the Premier League’s top eight this season. Lukaku’s bagged 16 league strikes this year, bringing his top flight total to an impressive 58 goals in 137 outings.
But if the Toffees are to part with their star frontman next summer, it will be only for an enormous sum. The 6 foot 3 striker is already rated at around the £50million mark and that price could go up depending on performances at Euro 2016.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Antoine Griezmann was a regular in Chelsea’s rumour columns during Jose Mourinho’s final transfer window at Stamford Bridge and it’s not hard to see why.
Since moving to Vincente Calderon in summer 2014, the France international has flourished in an Atletico Madrid side forged on similar ideals to the Mourinho philosophy of well-organised, pragmatic and defence-comes-first football.
Indeed, the Atletico Madrid star has bagged 44 goals in 86 appearances over the last 18 months and along with his potent goal threat, the 24-year-old’s industriousness and versatility, featuring as a winger, a midfielder and a centre-forward, has particularly stood out.
One can’t imagine Juan Mata’s United career spanning far beyond Mourinho’s appointment, considering he was one of the first casualties when the Special One returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013, and Griezmann represents a potential replacement more befitting of the Portuguese’s ethos.
The Mattress Makers are hoping to bump up his release clause to €100million, however, and will be incredibly reluctant to sell ahead of their twelve-month transfer ban.
MOUSA DEMBELE
Manchester United’s engine room still lacks spark and one midfielder whose been on Jose Mourinho’s radar for some time is Tottenham Hotspur powerhouse Moussa Dembele – who intriguingly enough came close to joining the Red Devils back in 2012.
After a few seasons in the wilderness, the Belgium international is back to his best this term, averaging 3.7 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 created chance and 2.6 successful dribbles per match from his 20 Premier League outings whilst recording a 90% pass completion rate.
The 28-year-old is physical and dynamic but blends it with class on the ball. He’d add a more mobile element to United’s midfield whilst bringing it more in line with the Mourinho mentality – especially in terms of work-rate.
But Tottenham have made a habit of refusing to sell to Premier League rivals and Dembele just signed a contract extension until 2019, so it remains to be seen if United can land him for a financially justifiable sum.
LUKA MODRIC
Another midfielder who could breathe some life into United’s engine room is former Spurs star Luka Modric, who played under Jose Mourinho during a single year at Real Madrid.
He’s perhaps not your typical Mourinho player, more technical flair and creativity than physicality, but nonetheless remains one of the best playmakers in world football and has always included an element of industriousness in his game.
Furthermore, the Croatian international is well-proven in the Premier League and the Champions League and knows exactly how a Mourinho side operates.
He may be no spring chicken at the age of 30 but that could well be what convinces Real Madrid to sell during the summer, at which point Modric’s contract will have entered its final two years.
ALVARO MORATA
Jose Mourinho issued Alvaro Morata his senior debut whilst in charge of Real Madrid and despite struggling to impact at Juventus this season, the Spain international is still one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
The 23-year-old measures in at 6 foot 2, is hard working and mobile and although his strike-rate isn’t exactly outstanding, with a career return of 78 in 212 across all competitions, he’s developed a knack for scoring incredibly important goals.
Indeed, Morata netted five times as the Old Lady claimed runner-up spot in the Champions League last season, including goals in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid and a strike against Barcelona in the final.
Mourinho loves players who rise to the big occasions and Morata seemingly falls into that category. Furthermore, Juventus might be inclined to sell at the end of the season, with the Spaniard stuck behind Mario Mandzukic and Paolo Dybala in the pecking order.
But Real Madrid have a buy-back clause and according to the Spanish press, they intend to activate it during the summer.
JOHN STONES
John Stones was one of Jose Mourinho’s priority transfer targets last summer and the chances are that the Special One is still incredibly keen on the Everton defender, despite the scrutiny that has surrounded him this season.
After all, the 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting home-grown products in the Premier League since signing for the Toffees in January 2013, boasting rare agility and flair on the ball for an English centre-half.
Something tells me Mourinho is more attracted to Stones’ athleticism and speed than his ball-playing qualities but nonetheless, the England international has the potential to become one of the top centre-backs in world football under the right manager.
But Everton showed their resolve last summer and much like Romelu Lukaku, Stones’ valuation could soar if he performs well at Euro 2016.
