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Jose Mourinho's second season, the script writes itself. The Portuguese tactician has won the league title in his second season with clubs like Porto, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea, and there was a reason for Manchester United fans to get excited in August.
And an excellent start to the campaign had many dreaming about the same, but things didn't quite turn out to be so straightforward.
Despite a serious improvement from last season, United have fallen short as compared to their neighbours Manchester City, who are close to clinching the league title this season. One of the reasons why United have come out second best is because of some really chaotic defending.
Their best defender Eric Bailly was sidelined for four months, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones constantly find themselves on the treatment table and new signing Victor Lindelof has struggled to find his feet in England. Chris Smalling has been the only central defender not to be plagued by injuries but he has been inconsistent with his performances.
All this points to the fact that Mourinho will have to sign a quality centre-back in the summer, which is of utmost necessity if United need to be in contention for Europe's top prizes next term.
So, in no particular order, we look at the top 5 centre-backs Jose Mourinho should target in the upcoming summer transfer window:
#5 Stefan de Vrij (Lazio)
Stefan de Vrij is enjoying an excellent season with Lazio. The 26-year-old defender is a Feyenoord product and has been playing at the highest level since 2009. He is also a key player for the Dutch national team and has 31 caps for the country, and was part of the team that finished third in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Lazio find themselves fourth in the Serie A and de Vrij has been a central figure in their defence throughout the season. He is composed and is an excellent reader of the game. He is also a threat on the other side of the pitch, and has chipped in with 5 goals this season.
Incidentally, de Vrij is out of contract this summer and looks all set for a transfer. He has been linked with United in the past but rivals Liverpool and Arsenal are also reportedly in close pursuit of the defender.
Video: de Vrij in action this season
#4 Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Varane has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the last few years and that has increased ever since Jose Mourinho came in. The French defender was signed by Mourinho during his time at Madrid and both share the utmost respect for each other.
Since his arrival in Madrid from Lens, Varane has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the world through a string of brilliant performances. He has already played 221 games for Los Blancos and has been a mainstay for the French national team as well.
Although Madrid have tied him to a new contract till 2022, there will be no shortage of suitors to the 24-year-old if he wants a move away, and there is no doubt that Mourinho and United will be first in line for the defender. Although he is valued at £36 million, there is no doubt that Madrid will demand a lot more if they decide to sell him, which looks unlikely at the moment.
Video: Varane in 2017
#3 Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
Harry Maguire was a relatively unknown name until two seasons ago. Despite getting relegated in the 2016-17 season, Hull City helped throw light on this incredibly gifted defender.
He was bought by Leicester City ahead of the ongoing season and has continued to impress. His brilliant performances earned him a call-up to the England national team and he is likely to be a part of the Three Lions' defence in Russia this summer.
Physically imposing and excellent with the ball at his feet, Maguire will fit in perfectly at Manchester United. Although he is 25 years old, he has played 292 senior games and looks to be the real deal.
It is no surprise that both the Manchester clubs have been linked with the defender, but Mourinho will be hoping for City to end their interest following the purchase of Aymeric Laporte. The Englishman is under contract until 2022, and Leicester City have reportedly put a £50 million price tag on the player which may repel many suitors.
Video: The best of Maguire
#2 Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
While Harry Kane's prowess has been the primary reason for Spurs' resurgence, their defence has been equally brilliant. And a key figure in their back-line has been Toby Alderweireld.
The experienced Belgian was signed by Spurs from Atletico Madrid in 2015 after impressing at Southampton during a loan spell the year before. He has made over a hundred appearances for the club, forming a formidable partnership with Jan Vertonghen.
His current contract runs out in 2019 and he is reportedly stalling over a new deal. The player would bring in much-needed experience and leadership to United's current defence and will complement Eric Bailly well.
His market value is believed to be around £32 million and Spurs will be willing to cash in on him this summer rather than lose him on a free at the end of next season.
There are strong rumours that both Manchester United and Barcelona are interested in signing him this summer and if Mourinho can play the right cards, the defender could be his.
Video: Alderweireld's best
#1 Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
The French defender has shot into fame following his move to Barcelona. With the departure of Javier Mascherano, Umtiti has made the centre-back position at Barcelona his own, alongside Gerard Pique. A physical and aggressive player, Umtiti is exactly the type of no-nonsense defender Mourinho craves for.
Bought from Lyon in 2016 for a fee of €25 million, he has been performing consistently well for Barcelona and has been called up to the French squad too.
He is all set to lead the national team's defence in the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer. The 24-year-old's contract runs out in 2021 and Barcelona are desperate to tie him down to a new deal before the beginning of the World Cup.
There have been strong rumours that United are ready to trigger his £53 million release clause and double his wages. His friendship with international teammates Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial may also help United in the pursuit of his signature. He would be a brilliant signing for United and would add some much-needed steel to their back-line.
Video: Umtiti in action
