There has been much speculation about the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss taking over at Manchester United from his former apprentice, Louis van Gaal. The entire plot began earlier this mid-season, when the Red Devils were in unfortunate form during the week of Christmas. José Mourinho was sacked at the time by Chelsea and it was reported he’d be replacing van Gaal, with whom the United fans had been very disappointed.
Manchester United to Have a Different Look Next Season
United’s chief executive, Ed Woodward, supportive of van Gaal throughout the season, is rumoured to be in favour of inviting Mourinho in after seeing the club’s recent struggles in sneaking into the top four to secure next year’s Champions League hopes.
Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches and Braga’s Rafa Silva — whose agent, Jorge Mendes, lists Mourinho among his clients — have been linked with moves to Old Trafford. Veteran Swedish superstar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, is another who has joined the list. Ibrahimović stated earlier this season that the Premier League would be his preferred destination for next season and, hence, Manchester United could be his next heading as he’s willing to work with Mourinho. The pair have a strong relationship, thanks to their glory days together at Inter.
The Old Trafford outfit were expected to break the headlines at the end of the season, but with the news being leaked in Portugal, they’d be making the announcement regarding Mourinho’s appointment in the coming weeks should it happen.
This news will come as a huge blow to their current man in charge, Louis van Gaal, as his men are now just one step away from FA Cup glory, following a dramatic win over Everton in the semi-final at Wembley stadium this weekend. The United board seems keen to make the change happen and a triumph in the FA Cup may not change anything for the Dutch boss after all.
With local rivals, Manchester City, getting stronger by banking on Spanish mastermind, Pep Guardiola, next season onwards, wary United have another reason for acquiring the services of the ‘Special One’. The two managers had a turgid relationship in the past, being involved with Spanish super giants Real Madrid and Barcelona; the same is expected to continue in the Premier League soon.
Everyone knows about José Mourinho’s varying success in the transfer market and United will have to make sure that things work out in this department. Under van Gaal, the club splurged over £250 million on transfers, but most of the players have turned out to be flops – hence, a drastic change in their transfer policy is required, which can be fixed up by the Portuguese talisman.
Whatever comes of the present situation, seeing United’s predicament, the fans and the board definitely want something better from the squad after spending a fortune. Some changes will need to be made to get the team back on course.
If Mourinho gets in, Old Trafford would be expecting a lot of changes in the dressing room. While some fans want him to take the club to the greater level, there are others who are worried about the young players, as José is known to have his faith more in the transfers instead of the youth team.
