Manchester United finished as runners-up in the Premier League last season but it certainly didn’t feel like it due to Manchester City’s record-breaking run to the title.
The Red Devils were also largely inconsistent in their performances. But Jose Mourinho is a top class manager and one thing he guarantees is results. They may play unattractive and uninspiring football, but they are certainly hard to beat.
United ended the season trophy-less, losing 1-0 to Chelsea in the FA Cup final, courtesy an Eden Hazard penalty. Mourinho will now be aiming to make a comeback next season and will be under considerable pressure to do so. He has already delved into the market and completed the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.
The Portuguese manager is reportedly keen to bring in Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng to Old Trafford. The centre-back joined the German champions in 2011 and has gone on to make a total of 156 appearances for the club.
He has been a regular in the side and is a true commander in their defence. Boateng was influential in Germany’s World Cup success four years ago. The 29-year-old made just 19 appearances in the Bundesliga last time, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists in the process.
United look like they could use a towering presence like Boateng in the club. The German is calm and composed on the ball with respectable passing abilities for a centre-back. His aerial strengths are admirable as well.
Boateng would certainly provide healthy competition and he could build a strong relationship with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly. However, the only problem is that United will have to wait until Germany are done with the World Cup, as Boateng is currently in Russia with the national team.
This could see other teams try and get to the player and his price could increase, depending on his performances. However, Mourinho should make the defender his top priority. The arrival of Boateng and Fred, along with a few other additions, will transform United into title contenders next season.
