There has already been a crazy amount of conjecture about who Jose Mourinho will sign for Manchester United when he takes the job as manager of the club this week, as widely reported over the weekend.
But he will have to make room for his new arrivals in a squad which is already replete with expensive talent.
So who might he offload this summer? TFF takes a punt.
Juan Mata
Yes he is the nicest guy in football. And yes he is a tidy player with good feet. But he’s never been TFF’s favourite player and, unless you build a whole team around him then he lacks the pace and power to be an elite performer in The Premier League. He’s not quite good enough to be the first player on the team sheet so we can’t help but think that Jose will cash in for a second time. You can only pick four players for the forward positions in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 and Jose will want four of the very best.
Marouane Fellaini
Jose loves a bit of muscle but Fellaini simply doesn’t have the technique to become a Matic or an Essien for Jose. And it’s impossible to imagine him getting a game further forward in Jose’s team. Sadly Fellaini seldom fails to drag the quality of a game downwards.
Daley Blind
A talented player with the ball at his feet and he could well remain at the club as an adaptable squad man. But it’s difficult to see where he fits into the Mourinho template.
He doesn’t have the power for the anchor man role in midfield and Jose always likes quick and/or strong centre backs – Blind ticks neither box. And does he have the athleticism to be a first choice left-back ahead of Luke Shaw? Blind may have to settle for a squad role at best.
Ashley Young
Another who needs to move on if he wants regular football. He’s mobile and hard-working but he will never again be considered a first choice player for Manchester United. While Mourinho could keep Valencia for a season, we think Young will be on his bike.
Manchester United fans – let’s hear your thoughts on who Jose should offload this summer at Manchester United.