Despite Mourinho repeatedly saying that United’s involvement in the transfer window is over, the club continue to be linked with top drawer players like Thomas Lemar and Serge Aurier. United also completed the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic this week on a new one year deal which Mourinho termed as a ‘new signing’ come the second half of the season.
THOMAS LEMAR
Thomas Lemar was Arsenal’s primary attacking target this summer but with Monaco having already sold star players like Bernardo Silva and Tiemoune Bakayoko this summer, the French champions seem reluctant to sell one of their best players.
Monaco are also resigned to lose Kylian Mbappe to PSG this summer. Arsene Wenger also admitted defeat in his side’s chase of the French attacker amid reports that United were preparing to hijack the deal. Lemar who can operate on either flanks or through the middle was touted as a potential alternative for Kylian Mbappe.
With United looking to steal Lemar ahead of Arsenal, the player himself is believed to prefer playing under Jose Mourinho rather than Arsene Wenger. Whether United make a last ditch attempt to sign Lemar remains to be seen but with time running out in this summer’s window it seems highly unlikely that Lemar becomes a Red.
SERGE AURIER
The PSG right-back remains keen on a move to Old Trafford but Tottenham are in pole position ahead of United and Chelsea. While Mourinho has reportedly pulled the plug on the deal leaving Tottenham on the clear.
At right-back United have just Antonio Valencia and a lack of competition and cover at the position could leave United in trouble when the matches come in thick and fast. At £23m, he would be a bargain in the current market and be a potential long term solution after Valencia.
Like Lemar, a deal for Aurier remains unlikely but fans should be wary of a surprise deadline day move for the Frenchman.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
United entered the summer with Antoine Griezmann as the top summer target but with Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban leaving the club high and dry, the Frenchman decided not to abandon his club and agreed to stay and sign a new contract.
One of the terms of the new deal ensured that Griezmann’s release clause remains the same at £86m and United will get their man at the same price as they could have this season.
United have already started laying the ground work for a deal next summer with the club chiefs already thinking of plans to get the Frenchman in 2018.
United will not be taking or making calls around deadline day and Mourinho is pleased with the players at this disposal. However, one player that could leave is Andreas Pereira who has been linked with a loan move to Valencia.