Jose Mourinho has not been confirmed yet but his arrival at Manchester United is imminent.
Not far behind him will be his agent Jorge Mendes, who along with Mourinho will give the club knowledge and connections in the transfer market to match their tremendous wealth.
We can expect it to be a busy summer at Old Trafford with the Portuguese looking to reshape a squad that was good enough only for fifth in Premier League this season. The FA Cup triumph has to be counter-balanced by failure to make the knockout stages of the Champions League and the Europa League loss to Liverpool.
Mourinho will make signings, that is what he does. That is not to say Louis van Gaal was not given money to spend, even if he was reportedly surprised to be asked to identify his own signings.
Identify he did and, with Ed Woodward doing the negotiating, United managed to spend almost £250million on a dozen players during his two years in charge.
As we await the confirmation of Manchester United’s new overlord, we speculate on what Mourinho may think of LVG’s dozen? Will he keep them? Will he play them? Will he know who they are?
Ander Herrera
Just 39 starts in two seasons since his delayed transfer from Athletic Bilbao. While the midfielder has chipped in with 13 goals in that time his failure to nail down a starting position should be a concern.
Jose says: “Centre midfield? He would fit in Nemanja Matic’s pocket.”
Luke Shaw
After difficult beginnings when the £27m full-back’s weight and fitness was questioned, he was growing into the position and becoming comfortable with the scale of the club when he suffered a horrific leg break against PSV Eindhoven.
Jose says: “He would not have been injured if he had not been in the opponent’s box. That’s what you get for rampaging.”
Marcos Rojo
Startling to be believe the unconvincing Argentinian has managed to start 35 Premier League games in two seasons. The £16m signing from Sporting Lisbon has done little to win over the fans and has only found himself starting so many games due to injury.
Jose says: “I prefer the Shaw boy, at least he has attacking as an excuse for not defending.”
Angel di Maria
Signed from Madrid for £60m, scored a belter against Leicester, had is house raided and didn’t score again. United took a £15m hit selling him to PSG last summer.
Jose says: “Too expensive for Chelsea, but now we have Woodward’s chequebook I like him. Offer £60m. No, make that £75m. Someone should profit.”
Daley Blind
Trusted by Van Gaal, the Dutch international has racked up 84 appearances for United in a variety of roles – from central midfield to centre-half and left full-back. For £14m United got three players from Ajax.
Jose says: “I love a good utility player – he can play in the League Cup, the reserves, Brighton.”
Victor Valdes
One start, one substitute appearance and a period in exile for the three-time Champions League winner – even for a free transfer this one could not be considered value for money.
Jose says: “We have no need for B**ca cast-offs. He’s on your books Jorge, get him off mine.”
Memphis Depay
Being dropped from the FA Cup final squad was a fitting finale to a difficult first season at Old Trafford. For £25m more was expected of the former PSV Eindhoven winger, who has managed just two goals in 18 Premier League starts.
Jose says: “He can leave. I’ll keep his Rolls Royce. What do you have in a left-sided winger, Jorge?”
Matteo Darmian
The Italian full-back’s early season progress was halted by injury but there was enough potential shown to suggest the £13m investement might pay off.
Jose says: “A one-paced defensively-minded full-back. Around such a man I can build an empire.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Frequently injured, highly paid, often out of the country and reportedly unpopular with his team-mates – many suspected this £15m transfer was too good to be true. It seems it was.
Jose says: “I know I am on the record as saying I like Schweini, but I mean as a person. Send that charming man back to Germany.”
Morgan Schneiderlin
The £25m paid to Southampton suggested this could be the man to fill the Roy Keane-shaped hole in the Manchester United defence, instead they got another bit-part midfield.
Jose says: “When I look at this guy I think, ‘Javier Zanetti, Claude Makelele, Costinha.’ Unfortunately they’re all retired. Shame.”
Sergio Romero
Free transfer, the able deputy to David de Gea has not been banished to Belgium. Has to be seen as one of LVG’s best signings.
Jose says: “Who?”
Anthony Martial
The then teenager arrived for an initial £36m, potentially rising to the GDP of Ireland depending on add-ons. After 17 goals from the wing it looks like he will cost United a pretty penny but could well be worth it.
Jose says: “As a voyeur, I like what I see. Left footed? Stick him on the right wing and we’ll make him a star. Jorge, these add-ons?!? You sure you’re not involved.”
