Jose Mourinho has been criticised a lot over the past month as his Manchester United team are failing to bring in the desired results. The Red Devils have not won in their last four Premier League games and it is being reported that the Portuguese is not happy with the defenders available at his disposal.
His plans are further made difficult because of a long-term injury suffered by new signing, Eric Bailly, which has made United weak at the back. It is being reported that United are trying to lure Virgil Van Dijk away from the Saints in the next transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror.
Also Read: Liverpool transfer rumour: Liverpool linked with a move for Southampton's Virgil van Dijk
It is being reported that feels that his team's defenders lack the mental strength and grit to sustain pressure from the opponents. A damning stat which won't be a good sight for Jose Mourinho is that United have failed to win a game in the last 13 matches the team has fallen behind by a goal. Apart from Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia, Mourinho has criticised the other defenders in public with Chris Smalling being formally rebuked by the manager after Chelsea's hammering.
Van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the league this season as his commanding and resolute defending for Southampton has not gone unnoticed.
Claude Puel, the Saints' manager complimented the 6’4” centre-back and has said that the Dutch defender has all the qualities to be one of the best in the world, “Virgil is technical and is improving tactically and in the air he is fantastic. He has all the qualities to become the best defender in the world. There is no problem this might happen.”
The £13 million signing, who joined Southampton from Celtic, has been the centre of interest as a host of Premier League clubs with the likes of Liverpool and Everton also reportedly vying for his signature.
Also Read: Manchester United transfer rumor: Jose Mourinho plots £30m move for Diego Godin
United are also rumoured to be targeting Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin with the 31-year-old nearing the end of his contract soon at the Calderon. His £30 million release clause might be an issue for the Red Devils.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be planning a major exodus with eight players' future hanging in the balance at Old Trafford with Memphis Depay at the forefront of it.
More Football news, transfer rumours, analysis and features at Sportskeeda.com
