Manchester United's top five transfer targets this summer 

It is no secret that Manchester United have struggled to regain their supremacy of the Premier League in recent seasons, facing competition from all angles as clubs begin to splash out astronomical amounts of cash on foreign players to strengthen every part of their squads.

The league is no longer four great teams versus sixteen mediocre clubs; instead, it has become a free-for-all, save for the exception of the two or three teams who get steamrolled for one reason or another.

United's lacklustre performances still come as a surprise to football fans, as many still associate the club with the wonders that they achieved throughout the 2000s under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United finished last season in second place with a respectable 81 points. This is a marked improvement from their 2016-17 Premier League campaign, where they finished in sixth place with just 69 points.

Many people would agree that second place is simply not good enough for a club of Manchester United's stature. Undoubtedly Mourinho is aware of this and knows that he will need to spend big if he is to bring United back to the glory days of yesteryear.

Here are the top five transfer targets for Manchester United.

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#5 Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro is a fan favourite at Juventus.

The Daily Star recently reported that Manchester United still have an interest in Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, but are waiting for Luke Shaw to decide on his future before they table an official bid.

How might Alex Sandro fit into the current Manchester United squad?

United look thin in the left-back position: Luke Shaw is injury-prone and overweight, Ashley Young isn't getting any younger at 32-years-old, and Daley Blind is reportedly set to join Ajax.

Mourinho must bring in a world-class option before the window closes if he is to truly strengthen this United squad. And Alex Sandro would be the perfect fit.

Sandro has impressed for Juventus since joining from Porto in 2015, making 75 appearances across three seasons for the Italian giants. His speed and turn-of-pace have rendered him a valuable asset in Juventus' defence, as he can get back in time to halt an opponent's attack and cover for his teammates.

Sandro is often utilised as a left wing-back, whose duty is to bomb up and down the wing to both defend and attack, bombing in the occasional cross when required. This is exactly what United are after.

Rumour probability: 7.5/10

As stated previously, the entire deal depends on whether Luke Shaw can be shifted to another club. The Sunday Times reported that Shaw recently rejected an offer from Everton, who were willing to give the 23-year-old a chance to reinvigorate his stagnant career.

This has made the whole process of signing Sandro a lot more complicated that it needs to be, as the funds that United would have received in exchange for Shaw must be found elsewhere.

Alex Sandro has supposedly already agreed personal terms with United, according to The Daily Star.

#4 Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire was one of England's best performers in this summer's World Cup.

After having established himself as a cult hero following a series of superb performances for England in the World Cup, Harry Maguire's possible move to Manchester United is becoming more likely by the day.

How might Harry Maguire fit into the current Manchester United squad?

Mourinho has always favoured defenders who are as comfortable with the ball at their feet as they are making a headed clearance, which makes Harry Maguire an ideal option.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones were the defensive pair towards the end of last season for United, but fans want better players in the two positions, having become disenchanted by Jones and Smalling's mediocre performances. And Eric Bailly and Lindelof merely warm the bench nowadays, as neither have proved to be the players United scouts originally thought they were.

Maguire is a powerhouse who is also able to carry the ball forwards before picking out a pass. This is something United have lacked in defence for a while. He is also a major threat from set-pieces, much in the same mould as Fellaini in that he can storm into the box, easily out-strength any defender and head it home.

Rumour probability: 6/10

Harry Maguire currently plays for Leicester City, so he would naturally view the chance to move to a team like Manchester United as a huge step up. There would undoubtedly be interest from his side and the transfer looks likely to happen, but Leicester are expected to offer a new contract with a hefty amount of money to convince the 24-year-old to stay at the King Power Stadium.

If United are able to match or improve upon the amount offered to Maguire by Leicester, then the deal looks highly probable to go through.

#3 Ivan Perisic

Perisic has shown everyone what he's capable of at the World Cup this summer.

According to reports in France, Manchester United are now in advanced talks with Ivan Perisic. United were linked with the Inter Milan winger last summer, but the deal fell through at the last minute. This time, however, Jose Mourinho is determined to get his man to augment the Red Devils' attack.

How might Ivan Perisic fit into the current Manchester United squad?

In much the same way as Gareth Bale, Perisic would be utilised as the tricky winger to help the likes of Lukaku and Rashford up top, whilst also being a goalscoring threat himself.

Perisic has scored 29 times for Inter Milan since joining in 2015. He also set up 23 goals for his teammates in that time, too. But it is his performances for Croatia in the World Cup this summer that has made Mourinho so eager to bring the 29-year-old to Old Trafford. Perisic finished runner-up with Croatia.

Rumour probability: 6/10

Ivan Perisic is undoubtedly going to be barraged with offers from clubs all over the globe now that he's cemented himself as a star on the world stage. United might be frontrunners, but it depends heavily on who they are competing with for the Croatian. It is unlikely that Perisic will stay at Inter Milan any longer, and considering that he is approaching the final decade of his career, money might be a big factor behind his decision.

#2 Willian

Willian is known to be a thorn in the side of defences, which is why so many clubs want him.

Manchester Evening News have stated that Jose Mourinho will be keeping a close eye on the managerial change at Chelsea to see whether Willian's future will remain clouded in doubt.

The 29-year-old has been linked with both Barcelona and Manchester United this summer, and Mourinho knows that landing the Brazilian winger could be crucial to their success in the upcoming campaign.

How might Willian fit into the current Manchester United squad?

Willian already has Premier League experience from being with Chelsea for five years, so he knows what to expect from the fast-paced league. Since he wouldn't need any time to adjust to the league, that might mark him as the favourite as United look to make a splash from the get-go next season.

Rumour probability: 5/10

One of the problems Mourinho now faces with acquiring the winger is that Sarri would utilise him heavily, as he favours an attacking style of play that would suit Willian.

Before, the main reason behind Willian wanting to leave was due to his sour relationship with former manager Antonio Conte, but now he has been replaced, there is little reason for the Brazilian to leave. However, the prestige of Manchester United and the money they could offer might be too hard to resist.

#1 Gareth Bale

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale.

The Sunday Mirror claim that Gareth Bale has made Manchester United his preferred club should he be forced out of Real Madrid this summer.

Bale is due to hold talks with new manager Julen Lopetegui this week in order to clear up his future. United have reportedly prepared a £90 million offer for the Wales international should the deal fall through.

How might Gareth Bale fit into the current Manchester United squad?

It is now widely accepted that Gareth Bale is one of the world's best. Having risen from obscurity at Tottenham to scoring goals for fun at Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale is a force to be reckoned with.

His raw pace, quick feet and vision make the 28-year-old lethal down the flanks. United have already started to build a solid attack, with Lukaku, Sanchez and Rashford already tearing up defences; the addition of Bale to that group could prove to be a powerful combination.

Rumour probability: 5.5/10

It is understood that Bale wants to have more game time at Madrid, and this is one of the many creases he will hope to iron out in his meeting with the new manager this week.

Bale told the Wales Online, "I really don't know [where I will be]. I'm going to have to sit down and discuss it with my agent. Maybe I'll be staying here, maybe not. We'll sit down in the summer and hopefully resolve the issue."

Madrid will want to keep hold of Bale after having sold Ronaldo to Juventus, but the temptation of playing for Manchester United might prove too hard to resist.