5 reasons why Manchester United should sign Willian

"I think that a team without a Brazilian isn't a team; I think their talent is fantastic and the creativity of the Brazilian player cannot be measured. If a European team, like, very European, could have a Brazilian in their squad, it would bring a 'Brazilian thing' to the game and I think that's very important." - Jose Mourinho

This is what Mourinho told reporters last week and of course we all know about this "Brazilian thing" he is talking about.

Technically gifted, having an innate flair and unmatched passion that co-exist so beautifully, Brazil has produced some of the greatest ever players to grace the beautiful game generation after generation.

However, any avid reader who reads between the lines would think: is he perhaps giving some sort of a hint about something? About a particular Brazilian who is held in very high regard by the Portuguese? Someone who goes by the name of Willian?

Of course, it may be a long shot as a transfer may not be feasible at all but that is absolutely no reason why we cannot look at 5 reasons why Mourinho should close his eyes and sign him up!

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#5 A consistent performer

Willian is consistent

If given his fair share of minutes, there is no doubt that Willian will come up with the goods. He was vital last season when Chelsea marched towards the league title but Antonio Conte's decision to field a 3-5-2 formation led to a dip in his form at the beginning of this season.

It was only after the turn of the year that Conte decided to return to a 3-4-3 and the decision to do so helped Willian's cause. He was their leading man when star players such as Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata failed and he was the sole creative force in matches that Chelsea needed some inspiration.

Even in the ill-fated 2015-16 season in which Chelsea finished tenth, Willian was the sole force carrying the club for the majority of the season.

Throughout the season, Mourinho has been complaining of a lack of consistency from the United players and it is one of the reasons why their season has derailed. Willian can make the difference and bring the consistency Mourinho demands.

#4 Will make Chelsea weaker

Matic has made his mark at United this season

There are many people across the world who attribute Chelsea's downfall this season to one major factor: their decision to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United.

The Serbian was at the heart of everything good at Chelsea since his return to the club and their decision to sell such a vital cog in their setup proved to be catastrophic. Not only has his replacement been vapid, he has strengthened United to a very large extent.

If Mourinho is able to rope in Willian, it is likely that it will have similar consequences. And in their bid to contest for the Premier League next season, it may prove to be a shrewd buy as Chelsea will be dealt a double-blow.

#3 United's right-wing issues

Lingard and Mata have failed to cement their places

Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez have all been deployed on the right wing but none of them have lived up to the billing.

United's right flank is perhaps the weakest link in their system and Mourinho simply must fix the issue if they are to challenge on all fronts next season.

Neither of the above-mentioned players likes to hug the right-touchline and receive the ball in the wide areas. All of them like to cut inside and play at close quarters which is asking too much of Antonio Valencia who has to maraud up and down the right flank.

In Willian, you have a player who can do both and someone who, over the years, has mastered the act of finding the balance between the two - staying wide when required and cutting in when the situation demands.

His high work rate is another major plus and for Mourinho, who adores players with a great work ethic, he can directly slot in at right-wing and make United more dangerous.

#2 Dead-ball specialist

An excellent set-piece taker!

Manchester United boast one of the tallest and most physical sides in all of Europe and it remains a mystery why they cannot do more from set-piece situations.

Lack of quality deliveries is the root problem and if Mourinho can solve this and perhaps work on specific routines from free kicks and corners, they will be an incredible force to be reckoned with.

The number one solution to this problem is to find a quality set-piece taker. Willian is certainly among the best when it comes to dead-ball situations as he has the ability to put the ball into dangerous areas effortlessly.

Furthermore, inch-perfect crosses are what Lukaku craves for, with the big Belgian's aerial prowess and physicality making him a ruthless force in such situations. It is evident that United have not entirely played to his strengths this season but he has still managed to score 27 goals so imagine the havoc he can cause when he has a natural crosser of the ball in the team.

#1 Mourinho's trusted lieutenant

A special bond!

Willian was extremely close to a move to Tottenham in 2013 but Chelsea hijacked the move and it is rumoured that Mourinho was the reason he chose to join them instead of their London rivals.

The two enjoy a special bond on and off the pitch and it is there for everyone to see when United play Chelsea these days.

It is a similar bond to what the Portuguese shares with Matic, and the difference he has made to United's midfield this season speaks volumes about Mourinho's astute ability to get the best out of players he knows inside-out.

Willian is one such player - he enjoys a special page in Mourinho's books and the chemistry between the two will be reflected on the pitch and can prove to be the driving force in United's quest for glory next year.