Nemanja Matic and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho travelled to Austria last week for a scouting mission following a recommendation from Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to reports.

Mourinho, 54, was spotted in the crowd during Austria’s World Cup qualifying victory over Serbia at the Ernst Happel Stadium on Friday night.

Various conspiracy theories began to emerge, some suggesting the Red Devils manager attended to scout Serbia star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Austrian David Alaba.

Local TV, meanwhile, claimed Mourinho was watching Southampton’s Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic – but the Daily Mirror say he was keeping tabs on another player.

Mourinho was spotted in the stands during Austria’s victory over Serbia (Picture: Twitter)

Mijat Gacinovic, who plays for German club Eintracht Frankfurt, is believed to be attracting attention from Manchester United, who already have one eye on the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old has become an influential player since signing from Serbian outfit Vojvodina in 2015 and is rated as one of the most promising stars in the Bundesliga.

Having already scored two goals in three appearances for his country, Gacinovic has also emerged as a target for Bayern Munich and Arsenal, who are believed to have sent scouts to watch him in action during the current international break.

United have joined the growing list of clubs keeping tabs on Gacinovic after Matic reportedly told Mourinho how impressed he has been with his compatriot.

Mijat Gacinovic has impressed for club and country this season (Picture: Getty)

Mourinho had to settle with three summer signings during the last window but originally hoped to bring four players to Old Trafford with Ivan Perisic a top target.

Gacinovic could be seen as an alternative to Perisic as he can play on either flank or in the centre and it is claimed Matic’s ties with the player could help Manchester United secure his signature in the winter.

Meanwhile, Matic, who joined United from Chelsea in the summer, broke down in tears after Serbia qualified for next year’s World Cup in Russia with a win over Georgia on Monday.

The 29-year-old played a key role as Serbia topped Group D with 21 points to qualify for a World Cup championship for just the second time as an independent nation.

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