Jose Mourinho was unveiled last week in his first Manchester United press conference, and like any media event involving Mourinho – it was golden.
After falsely suggesting that United had completed their third major signing of the transfer window, Mourinho went on to confirm that the club would be targeting at least one more player this summer.
Having already captured Ibrahimovic and Bailly, and just yesterday completed that third signing in Mkhitaryan – rumours have already begun to spread over that elusive fourth target.
With a host of names linked, it is time to separate the fact from fiction and clarify the potential next signing that could complete Mourinho’s United revolution.
Here are SIX additions that could complete Mourinho’s new look Man United…
John Stones
John Stones has been a long term Mourinho favourite stretching back to his time in charge of Chelsea, and his interest in the Everton starlet has carried on into his reign at United.
Offering an unrivalled technical style of play for a defender, Stones would add some much needed quality in defence alongside Chris Smalling or Eric Bailly.
He had a poor season last year, but if any manager can bring him back to his best it is Jose Mourinho.
The fee needed will likely be astronomical, with a host of top European sides interested; but what a signing it would be for Jose’s United. He would really complete his new look defensive line alongside Eric Bailly or Chris Smalling.
Hirving Lozanzo
Like John Stones, Hirving Lozanzo is a young player; but also one that Mourinho clearly sees as having a real future with Manchester United.
An attacking midfielder heralding from Mexico, rumours have persisted over his potential transfer to Manchester for weeks, and it looks like it is set to happen over the next few weeks.
Offering technical brilliance at such a young age, Lozanzo would be an excellent signing for the future.
He would add a fantastic blend of youth to the experience of the United attacking line; a perfect match.
James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez burst onto the European scene after the 2014 World Cup, which saw him finish the tournament as the standout player in an impressive Columbia campaign.
Since signing for Real Madrid his career has been up and down, sometimes failing to find a spot in the hugely talented Madrid attacking trio; but his quality is undoubtable.
Rumours have circulated in recent months that the side would be willing to let the player go; and this has seemingly peaked United’s interest.
Rodriguez could really complete the United attacking puzzle by playing in the number 10 position, which would then allow Rooney to push on and play as a striker.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has caught the eyes of some huge European clubs this summer, and in recent days it is Manchester United that have emerged as the front-runner for his signature.
Of course the star midfield has a connection to the Manchester club through the time he spent in the clubs youth academy before departing to Turin.
Paul Pogba is the most sought after player in world football right now, offering technical ability and power through the middle of the park.
If United can capture him he would improve their side to no end; and would really give them a shot at the title next year. He is the number one piece needed to complete the United puzzle.
Blaise Matuidi
If United and Mourinho cannot capture Pogba however, they have lined up an alternative target in Matuidi.
Obviously not carrying the same star power as Pogba, Matuidi has proven himself as a top midfielder over the last few years with PSG, where he has one a number of titles and competed at the highest level in the Champion’s League.
The player is reportedly open to a move to United, and so this one does seem to have some legs behind it, particularly is PSG manage to capture one of their central midfield targets.
A tactically astute, no nonsense midfielder – Matuidi ticks all of Mourinho’s boxes.
Alvaro Morata
Manchester United’s strike force is another area that Mourinho is interested in improving, despite already having captured Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Alvaro Morata is a target that has been mentioned alongside United for a number of weeks, and having completed his move back to Real Madrid a few days ago; the door has now been opened for a direct transfer between Madrid and a potential new club for the Spanish star.
His versatility is key, able to play anywhere across the front line; but he also offers electric pace and technical ability.
There is no better player to serve across that front three that is currently available in world football right now than Alvaro Morata.
