A manager who more often than not divides opinion, José Mourinho has wreaked havoc at every club he’s managed. His idiosyncratic press conferences and defiant style of management have created enemies and friends in several countries. It’s also because of this mentality that he’s hopped from club to club, managing several of Europe’s top sides.
In a managerial career that has spanned over 17 years, the Special One has managed 8 teams in Europe and in that time, he’s looked after some of the world’s best players. Some love him, some don’t, but it’s guaranteed that every single one of them remembers him.
Here are 5 players who could reunite with José Mourinho this summer as Manchester United are expected to go all out once more.
#5 Angel Di Maria
From Benfica to Real Madrid to Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain, Angel Di Maria has lived a star-studded lifestyle everywhere he’s gone. The man born in Rosario has turned his humble beginnings into a glorious living, as he’s played for some of the most famous clubs in the world, under the most famous managers in the world. That illustrious list includes the king of controversy himself, José Mourinho.
It was the Portuguese manager that gave Di Maria his first big break at the Bernabéu when he signed him from Benfica for a hefty fee. Mourinho showed faith in him by starting him over the beloved Kaka in the La Liga games.
This past season, Di Maria and his teammates failed in retaining the Ligue 1 title. The Argentine himself was below par as he only managed 6 goals and 7 assists in the league campaign. As Mourinho looks to establish his United empire, Di Maria would be the perfect type of acquisition to set their title charge in motion.
#4 Cesc Fabregas
Despite being accused of betrayal in the 2015/16 season, Cesc Fabregas has always declared his undying loyalty to José Mourinho. The Spaniard came out in the summer last year to deny his part in any Chelsea player revolt, even though his performances were notably below par. However, fast forward a season and Fabregas is once again a Premier League winner, but his part in the success story was played down as he was used more of a plan B by Antonio Conte.
A player of his world class ability deserves more and when a bigger club in Manchester United needs a central midfielder, there’s no better match. José Mourinho knows and understands the capabilities of the Spaniard.
His vision and pass selection is matched by not many on the world scene. Mourinho is still searching for a creative midfielder that can take the offensive load off Paul Pogba. Fabregas is the perfect man to rescue his Portuguese mentor and be a solid replacement for Michael Carrick who is at the twilight of his career.
#3 Romelu Lukaku
As the Everton door closes, many others will open for Romelu Lukaku. His astonishing goalscoring record in the Premier League has placed the youngster on top of everyone’s transfer lists.
After emphatically declaring that he won’t be staying at Everton for another season, Lukaku will be moving this summer and a transfer to a top club, with Champions League football, looks increasingly likely.
Chelsea sold Romelu to Everton for £28m and pretty apparent that Manchester United will have to fork out hefty money for his services. Jose decided to sell youngster because he wasn’t cutting it at the time, so he placed him at a club that would give him more minutes to develop. Whether or not Lukaku would want to play for him is another issue, however.
#2 Raphael Varane
Once proclaimed as the golden boy of European football, Raphael Varane’s stock has seemingly dwindled ever since Mourinho left Madrid. The Frenchman’s lack of defensive guidance from the succeeding coaches has affected his Real Madrid career drastically, as he has taken a back seat to an ageing Pepe in recent seasons.
Many undervalue the role of a coach in the development of a young player, but it’s now as clear as day that Varane needs Mourinho to get back on track. The Portuguese manager is often considered by many as the most defensively minded coach in the world; he’s a man that prioritises defending over anything else.
With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both seemingly on their way out of Manchester, there leaves room for defensive reinforcements. United have already signed highly-rated Benfica defender, Vincent Lindelof, but there’s always room for the best young defender in the world in Varane.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Yes, I’m still in shock too. Last week the world was sent into a frenzy as Spanish outlets revealed the world’s best player is looking to leave Real Madrid. The self-proclaimed king of Portugal is looking to put his 8 years at the Bernabéu behind him due to pending lawsuits in Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly feels he’s being treated like a ‘criminal’ by the Spanish authorities, to an extent that he no longer feels valued in the country, thus prompting him to take his talents elsewhere.
When Mourinho was at Madrid, the Spanish giants experienced their most successful goalscoring campaign in the history of La Liga. When the Portuguese duo are on song, they’re a deadly opposition for anyone. Manchester United is also a club that Ronaldo holds dear to his heart and a return to Old Trafford would send shockwaves around the footballing world.
