Manchester United transfer analysis: Jose Mourinho turns attention to signing Alvaro Morata and a defensive midfielder after Victor Lindelof buy

  • Manchester United have already signed defender Victor Lindelof this summer
  • But Jose Mourinho knows his team will require reinforcements in other areas
  • A world-class striker remains the priority, with Alvaro Morata likely to join
  • Mourinho also needs a top quality defensive midfielder such as Nemanja Matic
  • David de Gea and Chris Smalling could be on their way out of Old Trafford  

Manchester United went big in the transfer market last summer, smashing the world record to sign Paul Pogba for £89million plus Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

But after finishing a lowly sixth in the Premier League table, Jose Mourinho has demanded more reinforcements as they aim to challenge for the title.

With defender Victor Lindelof already through the door, United now turn their attentions to signing a world-class striker and defensive midfielder.


Sportsmail takes a look at United's transfer movements so far and what is likely to happen from here.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho needs reinforcements in several key areas

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho needs reinforcements in several key areas

United have already completed the signing of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof

United have already completed the signing of Swedish defender Victor Lindelof

 

What is the budget?

In excess of £200million considering United were prepared to meet Everton's £100m demand for Romelu Lukaku as well as trigger the £89m release clause in Antoine Griezmann's old contract at Atletico Madrid before even looking at midfield and defensive targets.

Ed Woodward didn't flinch at breaking the world record to sign Pogba last summer, and the funds are there if United want to spend big again.

United will miss out on Everton striker Romelu Lukaku after he decided to return to Chelsea

United will miss out on Everton striker Romelu Lukaku after he decided to return to Chelsea

United were also keen on Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann but he decided to stay

United were also keen on Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann but he decided to stay

Who are the remaining targets and what is the likelihood of getting them?

At least one world-class striker remains the priority and Alvaro Morata is the man that United have turned to after Lukaku made it clear he wants to move to Chelsea and Griezmann decided to stay in Spain.

There is a good chance that United will get Morata but Real Madrid's interest in David de Gea could complicate negotiations.

Mourinho also wants a new defensive midfielder and has given Woodward a number of options. Nemanja Matic, Eric Dier, Radja Nainggolan and Tiemoue Bakayoko are among the names being linked.

Manchester United are likely to sign the Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata

United are likely to sign the Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who wants to push the move on

United are also in need of a quality defensive midfielder, with Nemanja Matic fitting the bill

United are also in need of a quality defensive midfielder, with Nemanja Matic fitting the bill

Who could go?

Speculation surrounding Real Madrid and De Gea refuses to go away. The goalkeeper will not push for a move and United don't want to sell, so it could hinge on Madrid's determination to get him.

The Wayne Rooney saga continues to drag on. It looked as though Rooney had played his last game for United, but the options appear to be limited and staying at Old Trafford for the final year of his contract is now a distinct possibility.

It's likely that United will offload one of their centre-backs to make room for new signing Lindelof, with Chris Smalling probably the player most at risk after being criticised on several occasions by Mourinho last season.

Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw were two other players to incur criticism from the manager. United have no interest in selling Martial despite speculation over a move to Arsenal, but Shaw's future at Old Trafford remains unclear.

David de Gea could move to Real Madrid, potentially as part of a deal to bring in Morata

David de Gea could move to Real Madrid, potentially as part of a deal to bring in Morata

Chris Smalling could well be forced out following the arrival of Lindelof this summer

Chris Smalling could well be forced out following the arrival of Lindelof this summer

How's it going so far?

Not great. Mourinho made a big deal about getting his business done as early as possible last summer, and United's lack of progress this time will worry him.

The absence of a new striker will be of particular concern just two weeks before United go on a tour of America.

 

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