Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is set to meet with United Board as they discuss potential targets ahead of the January transfer window. The former Chelsea manager has been critical of the club’s board for not backing him in the transfer market.
Mourinho has made it known publicly he needs a centre defender and, it looks like he is set to get his wish. The Portuguese gaffer is currently discussing with the board on the players he will like to sign when the transfer window opens.
The ongoing discussions suggest United are planning for the long-term with Mourinho, however, after intense speculation over his future during the first part of the Premier League season.
The spotlight was firmly shone on the Portuguese and his relationship with the board after he spoke out about failing to get his targets in the summer and then said he was the victim of a “manhunt”.
United were forced to deny reports he would be sacked regardless of the outcome of the Newcastle game on October 6, which they won 3-2, and their league form has since picked up with a draw at Chelsea and victory over Everton.
Yet they remain with the fifth-worst defensive record in the division so far this term, having conceded 17 goals in 10 games, including eight at Old Trafford. In their first two seasons under Mourinho, they conceded 28 and 29 respectively, but United are currently on course to let in some 65 goals before the season’s over.
United signed three players in the summer – midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk, young right-back Diego Dalot and second-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant – spending in the region of £70m in total.