Manchester United are beginning to look like a changed team under Jose Mourinho. Although form in the Premier league has been both hot and cold at times, the Red Devils have won their first trophy under the former-Chelsea manager and are doing well in the Europa League, which they look likely to win.
Things can only get better. Manager Jose Mourinho will reportedly be given enough cash to spend again this summer. It appears the Glazers are obviously not tired of trying to make the Manchester United squad better, and winning trophies again. Already there have been talks of Antoine Griezmann’s release clause getting triggered by United in the summer. Aside the likely signing of Griezmann, I am of the opinion that the Red Devils will/should sign a centre-back.
No disrespect to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. They are good players in their own rights but both players are simply not good enough for a club like Manchester United. It wouldn’t surprise me if they are both sold by the club this summer. And although Daley Blind has done well playing as a centre-back, United fans will know the Dutchman is not a centre-back. A centre-back signing is an absolute must for Mourinho this summer.
One player Manchester United could be signing to bolster their defensive options is Real Madrid and France international defender Raphael Varane. Jose Mourinho gave Varane his chance while at Real Madrid and has always been linked with a move to clubs managed by Mourinho ever since.
Chelsea were constantly being linked with his signing last year and Manchester United were also linked with his signing way before they appointed Jose Mourinho. Varane would be a solid addition to the current Manchester United backline. He and Eric Bailly could form a rock solid partnership in the centre of United’s defence should the Red Devils successfully sign him.
What could make the deal easy
Raphael Varane is not a regular under Zinedine Zidane and although Pepe could leave in the summer, Madrid could also bring in another centre-back as Varane is certainly not trusted enough at the Bernabeu. Aside the fact that the Frenchman doesn’t get playing time under Zidane, another factor that could help United is Varane’s relationship with Mourinho.
Speaking recently, Varane confirmed he and Mourinho have a “special relationship”.
“I had a special relationship with Mourinho. With Ancelotti, I played less, but he did extraordinary things at Real and this is what counts.” Varane told L’Equipe, (translated by the Daily Mail).
Judging by that statement, I believe Varane will jump at the opportunity of reuniting with Jose Mourinho should the Portuguese want him.
