Patrick Rees
The January transfer window is just around the corner and though the fixture list is getting all but congested, it is highly anticipated that the Manchester United manager – Jose Mourinho – will be adding at least two new players into the squad to make his United team perfect title challengers.
Manchester United did a great business past summer, as the manager spent close to £150 million to bring in a suitable reinforcement, but as the season has progressed, the Portuguese tactician has got a clear picture of the fact that who amongst the current squad will be playing a role for a longer run.
The first and utmost names popping out of the Old Trafford are of Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay. The duo has only seen just 31 minutes of playing time in the Premier League between them and the reports from the Sun is suggesting that Everton are the hot favourites to sign these outcast.
Mourinho will be keen to recover the £24m amount they paid for Scheiderlin and it remains to be seen that can Everton splash this much of cash. Memphis, on the other hand, will most probably be a subject of a loan deal, as Everton cannot really afford his £100,000 a week salary (which includes lucrative bonuses as well).
With that been said and almost done; another player who the spectators might see heading out is the German Veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger. The 32-year-old, who earns £150,000-a-week, is bound until 2018, but United are willing to listen offers for the midfielder, even though he clearly stated that United would be his last club in Europe.
Back in November, Guardian mentioned that the former Bayern Munich man is in talks with a potential move to MLS and several clubs including Chicago Fire, New York City and Los Angeles Galaxy are in line to get his signature. He clearly won’t be playing a major role this season, as we all are aware of the fact that Mourinho does not really favour him.
Furthermore, the manager is looking to free down the spaces in order to bring new faces and if the reports are to be believed, the manager is also ready to listen offers for Marouane Fellaini, but will only let him leave if he is able to find a perfect replacement. It looks an intelligent move as both Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger are certain to leave the club and the depth in the centre will be thinned.
Telegraph has reported that West Ham United are an interesting party, but until and unless a proper replacement is not found, Fellaini, who was signed from Everton for £28m in 2013, will stay put.
Fellaini came under the spotlight when he faced his former club Everton a few days back and conceded a last minute penalty, but the manager backed his player up and the Belgian will be hoping for some good times ahead in the season.
