Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has drawn up a shortlist of targets as he tries to shake up his midfield department this summer. The Special One is on the lookout with Michael Carrick hanging up his boots and Marouane Fellaini set to depart, reports the Manchester Evening News. Mourinho wants at least one new midfielder through the door to add to the likes of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba. United’s manager has cast his net far and wide in search of a player who will be able to complete his dream midfield.
Mourinho has set the bar high – telling scouts to find a player capable emulating Carrick’s influence over the veteran’s trophy-laden United career. Among an extensive list of players who have been monitored are Arturo Vidal, Marco Verratti, Jean-Michael Seri, Fred and Jorginho. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford. Mourinho is determined to sign a player to help his side dominate in midfield in a manner in which they have failed to do on too many occasions this season. Pogba’s injury pre Christmas, followed by his loss of form in the second half of the season has not helped.
Mourinho had believed Carrick would be able to play an important role this term – but he was ruled out for much of the campaign due to a heart condition. United have no other player who can match the 36-year-old’s distribution or ball retention in the holding role. Mourinho has come to the same conclusion as his predecessor Louis van Gaal, that finding a natural successor to the former England international is key to the development of his team. Vidal’s experience at the highest level has made him a stand out candidate for Mourinho, given the Chilean’s pedigree at Juventus and Bayern Munich.
His own willingness to leave the German champions is the main stumbling block. Fred, Seri, Verratti, Jorginho and Milinkovic-Savic represent younger options. Shakhtar Donetsk are adamant either United or Manchester City will sign their prize asset Fred – but Mourinho made no move as the Brazilian was subject to interest from Pep Guardiola in January. Fred’s representatives are no longer confident a move to the Etihad will go through at the end of the season – but it’s not clear if United will firm up their interest in the summer. Mourinho is weighing up a host of options – emulating his approach to last summer. Romelu Lukaku was signed at a time when Real Madrid thought they were negotiating the sale of Alvaro Morata to United.
