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Jose Mourinho's team is currently in Dubai enjoying a training break as he continues to be linked with several players in the transfer window. Mourinho has recently been handed a massive injury boost as Valencia and Carrick both took part in first-team training.
Man Utd sits 2nd in the Premier League table 15 points behind leaders Man City and one point ahead of Conte's Chelsea.
Mourinho needs to assess his team's quality well before spending any amount in the transfer market as we have already seen many unsuccessful signings in the recent past. With high cash inflow from derby rivals, Mourinho will be tempted to spend big in the market but a slight mistake in assessing the player with his tactics can cost them the season.
Let us have a look at the three areas and few options United can consider.
#1 Central Attacking Midfielder - Mesut Ozil
Manchester United clearly lacks creativity and finishing up front and this has been a major reason for Lukaku getting isolated much of the time. Having Mkhitaryan and Lingard in that space is not enough for United to compete with big teams in big competitions.
Mourinho has expressed his interest to bring in a player in place of Mkhitaryan who is currently going over a rough patch. He has certainly not impressed anyone in his recent games and has been under criticism for a few months. Hence, there is a need for a player who can anchor the game well and find passes or create spaces wherever and whenever required.
The Arsenal star is looking to seal a deal with United as his current deal in North London expires at the end of the season and it is highly unlikely that he will consider a renewal. Juventus, Barcelona, and PSG all are potential suitors for him outside the Premier League.
The Red Devils are currently on the lookout for a playmaker and he will be an ideal fit for Mourinho as Ozil has experienced his best years under Mourinho at Real Madrid. At the age of 29, he is very much mindful and has an excellent ball control but the only thing to be concerned of is his defensive duties. He is a bit slow on the pitch without the ball but can do wonders with the ball in his feet.
Ozil has played 134 matches in the Premier League and scored 27 goals with 0.20 goals per match ratio. He has provided 47 assists so far with 64.70 passes per match ratio.
#2 Left Wing back/Left Back
Alex Sandro
Ashley Young was used as a left back under Mourinho regime due to lack of a proper left back in the team. Luke Shaw who was bought from Southampton in 2014 at a record-breaking fee has spent much of his time in the club with injuries. Shaw has always found it difficult at United ever since Mourinho replaced Van Gaal.
Despite talks remaining that Mourinho will look to sign Danny Rose in the January transfer window, Shaw has made the left back position his slot in the recent weeks. He has surely impressed everyone with his pace, ball control, and defensive duties to be ahead of Young or Blind.
But, Mourinho is certainly concerned about his fitness as he has struggled since a serious leg break in 2015 and with the injury concerns over the head, United should look to seal a deal with Danny Rose or any other feasible option.
He has been heavily linked to both the clubs with Chelsea having the upper hand on this deal and has not impressed very much this season. Apart from his not so good run in Juventus at recent times, his fee is definitely a concern for any team.
Juventus is looking to sell him anything around 70 million pounds and will be very costly to get a back-up for Shaw at such a price.
Danny Rose
United boss has expressed his interest in signing Danny Rose to add another left back to the squad despite Luke Shaw's good performances.
Rose has proved himself to be one of the best players in that position in Premier League and getting a well established left back will definitely add value to the squad.
According to the Daily Mirror, "the Red Devils are not willing to part with the 50 million pounds that would be needed to sign Rose and are considering alternatives".
Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand is vastly experienced in Premier League and is also a part of the English national team. The former blues left-back has left Chelsea due to lack of playing time and has signed four and a half year deal for 10 million pounds with Southampton in 2015.
Getting him to United will nearly cost around 20 million pounds as per Daily Star.
Bertrand has made 157 appearances in the Premier League and has scored 5 goals and won 73% of the tackles. He seems to be a good addition to the squad for a reasonable amount of spending.
#3 Right Wing/Right Mid
Anyone who has observed United play this season must have noticed that their game is always based on the left wing with Rashford/Martial making crosses to the box. United has not explored the right wing at all except few chances created by Valencia.
Mata who currently plays in the right wing has always been found in the mid and undoubtedly he naturally is a playmaker who anchors the game in the mid well. Hence, United have nothing to do with the right wing due to the absence of a proper right wing player.
Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura is a Brazilian who plays as a right winger for the French club Paris Saint Germain.
Lucas has only made 5 appearances for PSG in the current season after the arrival of big names like Neymar and Mbappe and is heavily linked to joining United before the January window shuts. It is claimed that the Red Devils will sign him for a fee around 22 million pounds but PSG demand 35 million pounds transfer fee.
Lucas Moura has played 152 games in the Ligue 1 for Paris scoring 33 times who is said to be very powerful, creative and technically gifted player. He is well known for his acceleration, agility as well as dribbling.
He is a complete versatile player and can solve the worries for United in the right wing very soon. Anything up to 45 million pounds will be a good buy for Mourinho.
Willian
Chelsea's reigning player of the year 16-17 has been sparingly used by Conte this season but has made an impact in every chance he got. Reports from Brazil claim that he would consider moving if Conte remains in charge of the club beyond the summer. Willian and Mourinho have previously worked together at Chelsea and both admire their style of play and decisions.
He is a technically gifted and quick-footed player and could be the greatest asset if Manchester United could acquire him in the near future.
