Manchester United look like an immeasurably better prospect than they did before Jose took over with a new look side which is already more convincing than last season.
There are obviously still areas that can be improved in the XI with right full back and defensive midfield possible the next areas of investment.
Manchester United have options in the anchor man role but none seem to tick all the boxes as a perfect partner for Pogba.
Marouane Fellaini has got the early nod but surely his poor technique will eventually irk Mourinho. Michael Carrick is a top player but rather statuesque at 35. Ander Herrera can play there but isn’t an ideal number 4. And Morgan Schneiderlin has all the right qualities but isn’t showing them regularly enough.
And the man who took his place in the France squad for EURO 2016 claims that Mourinho called him personally about a move to Old Trafford this summer.
He is quoted by The Sun as saying:
“It was amazing to have Mourinho call me, even though I’d been warned before how he would appeal to me.
“I listened to his arguments about why I should move to United.
“But at that time I was hesitant between staying at Leicester or leaving for Chelsea.
“My discussions with them were already well underway. But when I spoke, I had a good feeling with Conte.”
Kante would surely have been the perfect addition to a team which could still use more pace and dynamism. Kante has hit the ground running at Chelsea this season and has arguably been their best player in the early weeks with his tireless running, tackling and intelligent use of the ball.
He has been likened by some to Claude Makelele with his energy and distribution and he already looks like a top signing for Chelsea – a player who could even have a say in the destination of the title. At 25 he still has his best years ahead of him and it’s difficult to think of a better player in his position.
Perhaps Manchester United will have a look at another summer Chelsea target, Radja Nainggolan, depending on how the midfield shapes up over the next few months.