Spurs manager Jose Mourinho on the touchline (Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho currently has a solid group of players but Manchester United have had their fair share of troubles in the previous season. Romelu Lukaku is rated highly as a No. 9 but despite his goal-scoring prowess, he can let his team down due to inconsistencies and a lack of composure when it matters the most.
Phil Jones’ career has been plagued by injuries and lack of form while Victor Lindelof is yet to make a permanent mark in United’s set-up, even though he looked quite convincing at the back for Sweden in the World Cup.
Mourinho definitely has a few areas to strengthen if United are to make a real dash to challenge their rivals for the title this season. Here are three players from the Serie A who could make a lot of difference to their squad:-
The Croatian winger cum striker’s impressive display was instrumental to Croatia’s success in the World Cup and United boss Mourinho could certainly utilize a player like him. Perisic had a strong season last time around with Inter Milan where he bagged 11 goals and 9 assists in the Serie A.
Perisic may not be the ideal eye-catching winger with nimble feet and mesmerizing dribbles but can be effective with both feet, particularly while crossing and cutting inside. A workhorse, the 29-year-old seldom runs out of gas and can excel in a number of positions in the attacking third.
His physical presence at the flanks would improve link-up play with Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
Considering the Belgian striker’s woes with composure and finishing, Perisic could be an invaluable addition to United’s attacking third, particularly as a left forward.
Leonardo Bonucci is arguably one of the best centre-backs in Europe at the moment. He could be a reliable presence at the heart of United’s defence with shot-stopper David De Gea. A tall defender with a good sense of positioning, Bonucci is excellent at reading the game and has quick reflexes for his age. He can be deployed to mark the opposition’s No. 9 in the box and excels at winning aerial duels as well.
To add to his defensive calibre, Bonucci is a good long passer and can set up attacks from the back. A vocal and charismatic leader, the Italian is capable of carrying the weight of United’s defence on his shoulders and his mere presence could be a confidence-booster for the likes of Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling.
Standing tall at over 6 ft and packed with physicality, the towering Greek defender is a perfect alternative for Leonardo Bonucci.
The 27-year-old has shown a lot of promise with his consistent form at Stadio Olimpico. Manolas has spent four seasons with Roma and the highlight of his growth as a defender came last season when he helped the club secure a semi-final berth in the UEFA Champions League.
Manolas has the required composure and discipline to play a deep defensive line. Furthermore, his agility and speed enable him to play a high line as well. He is good at anticipating and making crucial tackles to prevent the opposition attackers from surging forward. At 27, the man from Greece is only going to get better with time and United must invest in him.
