Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is all set to offload the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones over the upcoming summer after the duo failed to live up to the expectations of the Portuguese.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Jose Mourinho is keen on bringing new centre-backs and to pave way for the new arrivals, the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are expected to make way. The Portuguese bought Victor Lindelof last July and despite showing some early nervousness, the Sweden international has stabilised his performances.
So as things stand for Manchester United, the club have the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof fit for the two spots and despite the Smalling-Jones duo failing to live up to the pressure, Mourinho has continued to pick them in the team.
The duo was at fault in United’s 2-0 defeat against Tottenham at Wembley where Phil Jones scored an own goal and similar was the case when United made a trip to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
Despite their poor showings, there is a positive as well, and it is the fact that Mourinho’s men have conceded the fewest goals this season. But a majority of the credit must go to the Bailly-Jones pair, who were exceptional during the early part of the season. The former, however, picked up a niggle during an international duty and required an ankle surgery for it. He hasn’t played for three months and United are hopeful that he might return, as they prepare to make a trip to Sevilla for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Adding to it, both Smalling and Jones penned down a new deal with Manchester United back in 2015, keeping them at the club until 2019 and although talks about a potential extension are thought to be put on the table, nothing of sort have initiated till date.
As far as the targets are concerned, Mirror quotes that United are eyeing a £50m swoop for Leicester City defender Harry Maguire while we are also reportedly thinking of making a move for Real Madrid defender Rafael Varane, who Mourinho signed during his stint with Real Madrid.
