Last summer, Manchester United showed to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market at the start of the season and their progress in both domestic leagues and other competition might see United boss Jose Mourinho spend big yet again at the end of the season for new acquisition. With United by no means been shy in terms of player recruitment, two players that can make them invincible, or at least close to it, that are being linked to Old Trafford are Chelsea star Willian and Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld.
As much as we have our doubts about Mourinho being interested in in Willian and Alderweireld, given the whole circus he comes with, it can’t be ignored that a possible transfer is reported repeatedly in the Italian media. And if they are anything to go by, then the Red Devils are ready to break the bank for their signatures and here is why the duo can be a blessing in disguise for the Portuguese boss.
Manchester United are one of the strongest squads in Europe but in some couple of areas on the field, they are a bit weak. While Willian who will partner Paul Pogba in the midfield would kick-start United this summer, they are also on the hunt for a defender and new attacker who can improve the productivity of the team at both ends of the field.
United’s forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to remain at Old Trafford come the end of the season while England international Wayne Rooney set to face to exit door, this will leave the club a bit short of attackers. Though the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Romely Lukaku have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss will also need new acquisitions to cover-up other position in attack in order to keep challenges next season under control.
This is the role Willian can step up for Jose. Having already worked and impressed under him at the Bridge, the Brazilian international is a top class player who will walk into United’s first team at the club next season and United can make use of his ability and pace, making them better of many teams in the country. With Henrikh Mkhitaryan occupying one wing, the Portuguese manager can use Willian on the other wing, making rooms for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, both of who can move into a more striking position next season. It will also save Mourinho’s side from spending on a top class striker this summer.
Adding to this would be the strength of Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld who is now among the best players in this position in the Premier League. He is a constant presence at the back for club and country, the Belgian international has been among the most consistent players for Tottenham for more than a season now and at age 28, Alderweireld is one of the most dependable and reliable players in his position in Europe. Though, the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are present to play in this crucial role, the boss has been using Marcos Rojo regularly, Mourinho will want to add a top class defender to his side and Alderweireld could be the man who can help them take the next step.
The rumour linking Mourinho with the attacking midfielder and Tottenham’s defender came out of the blue and I’d personally be astonished if the Portuguese man did splash out around in the summer in attempt to lure the duo to his side, but with him so keen on boosting his squad to contest for the Premier League title next season, you just never know….
Having read this, in your opinion, do you think Willian and Toby Alderweireld will make United stronger?