The Portuguese coach is desperate to find a player who can unlock deep defences (Picture: Getty)
The Portuguese coach is desperate to find a player who can unlock deep defences (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho has instructed Manchester United’s legion of scouts to find him ‘a magician’ who can turn the title race back in his side’s favour, according to reports.

The Red Devils trail Pep Guardiola’s high-flying – and unbeaten – City side by eight points ahead of back-to-back Premier League matches against Arsenal and then the league leaders.

And according to The Sun, Mourinho believes the only way he can overhaul City is if he signs a player who can bring more creativity to his team.

Mesut Ozil trains with his neck warmer wrapped up around his nose
United have been linked with Mesut Ozil, who fits the bill, but Arsenal won’t sell (Picture: Getty)

United have scored 12 fewer goals than City this season, with marquee summer signing Romelu Lukaku having only scored once in his last 11 games.

Mourinho fears his team’s lack of creativity is the biggest roadblock he faces in the title race, and has tasked his worldwide web of scouts to find a player – or ‘magician’, as he described it – to unlock tight defences.

Mourinho wants the player to be brought in during the January transfer window so he can begin hauling in City, though it is a notoriously difficult time to buy.

United have been linked with Antoine Griezmann but fear he will be out of reach over the winter, while Arsenal are highly unlikely to allow Mesut Ozil to move to a rival.

Jose Mourinho makes a face
Mourinho wants to spend whatever it takes to stop Guardiola winning the title (Picture: Getty)

Despite having already spent £300m since taking charge at Old Trafford, United’s owners will fund another big-money arrival if Mourinho is convinced he can boost their title bid.

The news will be a big blow to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who started the season on fire with five assists in his first three games, but has struggled for form recently and lost his place in the side.