Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Manchester United had sparked hopes in the hearts of the fans. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, they finally had a world-class manager who could win it all. And initially, the appointment of the Portuguese boss seemed perfect.
The summer transfer window was successful as far as Mourinho was concerned. Four stellar signings in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba had the United fans excited. The start was good as well but the team faltered after the first month of the season.
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It is evident that United are lacking in some positions and there could be a few additions in January. However, would Mourinho need to bring in reinforcements if he had some of the former United players at his service?
Also read: 5 ex-Liverpool players Jurgen Klopp would have loved in his squad
On that note, here we take a look at five former Red Devils whom the Portuguese boss would have loved to have in his squad.
#5 Patrice Evra
Since Luke Shaw’s injury last season, the left-back position has been an area of concern for the United managers. Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind and Ashley Young have all been tried in that position but none of them have been able to make a mark.
Shaw has been slowly making a comeback from injury and given that he is only 21 years old, it is highly likely that he will become successful in the near future. But for now, United’s options appear to be drained. One can only wonder what Jose’s life would have been like had Patrice Evra still been in the squad.
The French left back was a star in Sir Alex Ferguson’s United line-up. He was at Old Trafford for eight successful years winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League title. He moved to Juventus in 2014 and has been an integral part of the ‘Old Lady’ ever since.
Even Sir Alex hailed Evra’s leadership qualities and branded him as one of the best left-backs in Europe. Although he is 35, he has still a good one or two years of football left in him and Shaw could easily take his place after his retirement.
#4 Javier Hernandez
With the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, many people thought that United’s woes in the forward line would end. However, United have managed to score only 19 goals in 14 league matches.
As much as Mourinho’s defensive tactics are to be blamed for this, it is evident that his side lack a cutting edge in the offence when it comes to scoring against deep-lying teams. Marcus Rashford is an incredible talent and definitely has a bright future, but he cannot score in every crunch situation.
What United lack is a poacher like Javier Hernandez. This Mexican forward was often called the super-sub at Old Trafford for his uncanny habit of scoring in important matches after coming off the bench. As has been evident, the Red Devils have failed to capitalise on their chances and a striker like ‘Chicharito’ would be perfect for killing off games.
The 28-year-old spent five seasons at Old Trafford. He spent a brief spell at Real Madrid before joining Bayer Leverkusen and has been in terrific form of late. The Portuguese boss would have loved to have him in the squad, just to come off the bench and score important winners.
#3 Gerard Pique
United’s defence has been marred by injuries since the beginning of this season. Mourinho has struggled to find a pair of centre-backs to settle into the role. His team lacks a proper leader in the backline.
Chris Smalling was impressive last season but has been a bit off-colour so far this season. Eric Bailly showed early promise before being sidelined through injury and Blind, Rojo or Jones are not the central defenders a title-chasing team would want in their lineup.
Now, just imagine that Gerard Pique never left for Barcelona and was still playing for Manchester United. The 29-year-old is regarded as one of the best central defenders currently. The 2010 World Cup winner would have been the ideal partner for Bailly or Smalling in the heart of defence and David De Gea would have been kept far less busy.
Mourinho is no stranger to the Spaniard’s abilities having faced him during his tenure at Real Madrid. Pique was at United for four seasons before leaving due to lack of first team opportunities. A defender of his calibre would be a prized member of any of the top European teams.
#2 Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria – ah where do we begin? He came to Manchester United just because he had to leave Real Madrid, could not take the pressure of playing in England and fled off to France at the first possible opportunity. ‘Traiter’ might be a bit harsh but the Argentine has never set high standards in the loyalty department.
But he is definitely one of the most talented wingers in the world right now. And keeping in mind United’s problems on the wings, he would have been ideal for this side. What United lack are quality wingers - Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, and Marcus Rashford are not wingers.
Of course, if Di Maria was still at United, he might have become a legend by now. He was Mourinho’s first signing at Real Madrid and the Argentine also credited the Special One for him becoming the player he is today.
The two share an amicable relationship and Di Maria would have perfectly suited Mourinho’s gameplay, running down the wings and crossing in balls for Ibrahimovic to finish. Alas, this is just a fantasy.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Of course, he had to be on this list.
Not a single manager would say, ‘no’ to having Cristiano Ronaldo in his team. Mourinho has had his problems with Ronaldo but he still regards his countryman as one of the best in the world.
United’s 2008 Champions League winning team was built around the Portuguese superstar. Despite achieving immense success with the Red Devils, he moved to Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £80m.
The Portuguese is one of the best finishers in the modern game. He has scored fifty plus goals in his last six seasons and is well on course for another season with 50 goals. Ronaldo’s abilities are unmatched in world football. Also, he has the habit of breaking records every other day, a healthy habit to have.
The 31-year-old would be the ideal partner for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the attack and a great example for the likes of Rashford and Martial. Mourinho would have loved to have him in his squad and he would be one of the first names on the team sheet.
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