A Dream Manchester United XI For 2017/18 Season
Manchester United have had a topsy turvy beginning to life under the mercurial Jose Mourinho. The self-proclaimed “Special One” has had a difficult start to what he termed as his dream job. Despite having led the team to the FA Community Shield and EFL Cup triumphs and having made it to the UEFA Europa League finals, the Premier League campaign has been a let down.
United may have gone on a record 24-game unbeaten run in the league, but the fact that most of them were draws has resulted in them being dumped out of the race for the Champions League spots, meaning all their hopes of participation in the premiere continental event rely on their Europa League showdown against Ajax.
The Red Devils invested heavily in getting the controversial Portuguese the players that he wanted, spending some serious dough on the likes of Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and world-record signing Paul Pogba. While they may have secured the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for free, his astronomical wages will have put a dent in the club’s coffers too. With such investments and such a strong squad, much more was expected from Mourinho and the team, but the league campaign has been disappointing.
Mourinho, though, is set for another huge splurge in the upcoming transfer window as he looks to add more quality to his ranks ahead of the next campaign. Every day, a new player gets linked with a move to the Old Trafford in the tabloids and here is a team comprising of players who have been linked with Manchester United:
Formation: 4-1-3-2
Jan Oblak (GK)
The Atletico Madrid shot-stopper is United’s No.1 target if David De Gea leaves in the summer. One of the top goalkeepers in Europe, Oblak is expected to cost a whopping £85million owing to a release clause in his contract.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The Tottenham man has reportedly grown unhappy at the North London club and Manchester United are believed to be looking to capitalize on the situation, having been long term admirers of the Englishman. According to reports Walker is rated at £40million by Spurs.
Michael Keane (CB)
The former Red Devil has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, following his stellar campaign with Burnley, leading them to another season of Premier League football. He is expected to cost Manchester United around £25million.
Jose Gimenez (CB)
The 22-year old Atletico Madrid man is another reported target for the Red Devils and the player is also looking for an exit from Spain. Has a release clause of £56million in his contract.
Danny Rose (LB)
Another long term target for United, the Tottenham man has grown into one of the best left-backs in the league and will cost them in the region of £30million as per reports.
Eric Dier (DM)
The 23-year old versatile Englishman has been identified as the long-term successor for Michael Carrick in the midfield. While Tottenham will have no interest in selling him, a bid in the range of £40million can get them to the negotiation table.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
The AS Monaco star was reported to be in advanced talks with United last month over a move that could potentially cost the club £42.5million.
James Rodriguez (CAM)
This one is on the verge of completion as reports claim James Rodriguez’s transfer to Manchester United may well be announced as early as the upcoming Sunday. A transfer fee of £64million is being quoted.
Yacine Brahimi (LW)
The 27-year old Porto winger is a potential target as Mourinho wants to add more pace and directness to his wide areas. Brahimi is reported to have a £51million release clause in his current contract with the Portuguese side.
Antoine Griezmann (ST)
The Frenchman from Atletico Madrid has long been linked with a move to United, starting from the winter transfer window. The deal is most likely to be done soon after the end of the season, with Griezmann set to dent the club’s finances by £85million.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
The Everton forward is set to leave his club in the summer after refusing to sign a new deal in the summer. Chelsea and Manchester United are both rumoured to be in the hunt for Lukaku and Everton will listen to offers in the range of £80million.
