'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jose Mourinho has a massive season ahead of him, where he is expected to deliver the Premier League trophy to his employers.
The departing Micheal Carrick and Marouane Fellaini have made it crucial for the Portuguese to sign at least two central midfielders this summer.
Moreover, Jose desperately needs a regista to free up Paul Pogba whose playing position has been a matter of great debate lately.
The manager has publicly admitted that the midfield would be his primary area of reinforcement in the coming summer.
Here are the players he must be looking at for his engine room upgrade.
# 5. Fred
No other player has been linked to the Manchester clubs as strongly as the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder. His classy display against AS Roma in the 2nd round of the Champions League proved why they are keen to sign the player in the summer.
The 25-year-old has been in sublime form for the Ukrainian side this season with his tenacity, tackling and passing. He is a marvellous passer of the ball and a severe counter-attacking threat.
Also read:
5 players who can inherit Zlatan's number 10 jersey at Manchester United
The Brazilian has made 33 appearances this season and scored four, while creating another six from the central midfield position.
His dribbling and tackling skills have attracted the attention from some big clubs, and the player would tick all the required boxes for Jose at the club.
City are now believed to have pulled out of the race to sign him which puts Ed Woodward in the driving seat.
# 4. Julian Weigl
Borussia Dortmund have always boasted the brightest crop of young talent in world football. However, they rarely manage to keep hold of these players, mainly due to their their financial restraints.
Julian Weigl appears to be another highly talented player that may fall into this category. The German midfielder has made 31 appearances for his team this season so far. His precision and passing accuracy makes him a vital player in the heart of the midfield.
The 22-year-old is a brilliant reader of the game, and his interceptions and concentration on the pitch could prove something of high importance at Man United.
Reports claim that Mourinho had scouts sent to Germany to watch the player closely.
A fee close to £40 million is understood to be tempting enough for the German side to consider selling the player.
# 3. Sergej Milinković-Savić
Savic was a name not heard of till the 2017/18 season kicked off. This season has seen the player evolve massively in Italy.
The Serbian is a versatile player capable of being deployed in any role in the attacking or defensive midfield. He has 12 goals and nine assists for the club in 44 appearances this season so far.
The midfielder has been on the radar of Europe's elites ahead of the summer. His agent has confirmed the interest of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Recently, he was spotted in Paris where Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba also were on vacation. In him, Jose would get a player capable of freeing up Paul Pogba.
Savic, 23, has a long playing career lying ahead of him. He would be a great player to bank on for United.
# 2. Matteo Kovacic
No wonder the Spanish champions are accused of having too much talent enveloped in their side.
Kovacic joined Real Madrid in 2015 from Inter Milan and appeared to be a promising talent for the club. In no time, the Croatian proved his credentials and knocked at the manager's doors for more opportunities.
The midfielder has, however, not managed to feature regularly in a Real side already studded with superstars. Reports suggest that the 23-year-old is frustrated with his lack of game time and could be looking for a move away from the Spanish capital.
No sooner than news broke, the Premier League clubs showcased their interest for the Real Madrid man. Manchester United, of course, being one of them and reportedly leading the race.
Kovacic would definitely be the right man for Mourinho's style of football. His ability to penetrate the opposition midfield and dictate the tempo of the game would prove essential at Old Trafford.
# 1. Jorginho
Jorginho, the Napoli midfielder, is the top target for United. He is currently regarded as the best central midfielder in the Italian Serie A.
The Italian midfielder is a sublime passer of the ball. From the base of midfield, the player has scored four and provided for another four goals this season. He possesses the ability to bypass the opposition defences with his pin-point balls over the top.
His precision and composure on the ball makes him invaluable. The Napoli man is a personal favourite for being the suitable replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick.
The 26-year-old is believed to be high on demands for Mourinho this summer, though. The player's agent has himself admitted that his client's future is not certain in the Naples side.
An offer to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world would not be easy to decline for the player.
