sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Jose Mourinho's transfer wishlist at Man Utd 'leaked' and he was trying to build a superteam
Home>Football>Football News>Man Utd
Published 07:30 7 Sep 2024 GMT+1

Jose Mourinho's transfer wishlist at Man Utd 'leaked' and he was trying to build a superteam

The signings could have changed everything for United.

Ben McCrum

Ben McCrum

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

A five-man transfer list made by Jose Mourinho has revealed the superteam he was trying to build at Manchester United.

The legendary Portuguese manager spent two years in charge of United, leading them to trophies in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

Mourinho was sacked by United on 18 December 2018, having won just seven out of the first 17 Premier League matches of the 2018/19 season.

But a leaked list shows the five transfers that Mourinho wanted to make during his final season with the Red Devils, and if they all had happened, it could have changed everything.

Advert

The biggest name on the transfer shortlist that Mourinho had hoped to pursue is undoubtedly Gareth Bale, who at the time was playing for La Liga giants Real Madrid.

At the time, Bale had been linked with a move back to the UK after falling out of favour with Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who rarely started the Welshman.

However, after the sudden departures of both Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale had a change of heart and went on to stay with Los Blancos until 2022.

Next on Mourinho's list was another former Tottenham Hotspur player, Toby Alderweireld, who reportedly had held talks with United about the move.

However, ultimately the deal fell through as Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to entertain any offers below £75million, which was not achievable for United.

Also in defence, the Portuguese manager wanted to bring in a new left-back after losing faith in Luke Shaw, leading to Ashley Young playing the position.

Juventus' Alex Sandro was the preferred option, but with the Italian club looking for £60m, United moved their focus to Kieran Tierney before deciding that he was not enough of an improvement on Shaw to justify a bid.

Gareth Bale made 258 appearances for Real Madrid. (Image: Getty)
Gareth Bale made 258 appearances for Real Madrid. (Image: Getty)

Mourinho had also hoped for a reunion with Brazilian winger Willian, whom he managed during his time at Chelsea, but the deal fell apart despite a bid from United reportedly being accepted.

The final name on Mourinho's shortlist, was Brazilian midfielder Fred, who was the top target of the 2018/19 summer transfer window.

Of course, Fred did join that summer for a fee of £52m and went on to make 213 appearances for United.

And six years after leaving United, Mourinho was reunited with the midfielder after taking the job as manager of Fred's current club, Fenerbahce, this summer.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Manchester United, Jose Mourinho, Transfer News, Gareth Bale, Premier League, Real Madrid, Fred, Kieran Tierney, Willian

Ben McCrum
Ben McCrum

Ben is a sports journalist who specialises in football, Formula One and MMA. He has written for publications such as Manchester Evening News, WiganToday, Manchester World and beIN Sports. Throughout his career, he has interviewed top athletes including Gareth Southgate, Luke Littler, Tom Aspinall and Jenson Button.

X

@benmcc14

Recommended reads

Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup – ‘There’s a guy people don’t know about...’GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says snooker star can win 'multiple world titles' and gives update on futureGetty'The only thing he can do is now is tar his career...' - Arnold Allen gives damning verdict on Conor McGregor's comebackGetty ImagesGareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'Getty

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    What needs to happen for nine Premier League teams to play in Europe next season

    Aston Villa's Europa League triumph has opened up a scenario where eight Premier League sides can feature in European football next term.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    an hour ago

    MPs make desperate plea to government about controversial TNT Sports decision

    TNT broke a 34-year tradition with its coverage this year, and the MPs are furious on behalf of British football fans

    Football
  • Getty
    4 hours ago

    "Caught up in all of this chaos" - Southampton player speaks out after club is kicked out of play-off final

    Southampton's appeal was unsuccessful, with Middlesbrough taking their place in Saturday's Championship play-off final after spygate.

    Football
  • Getty
    5 hours ago

    Man City exodus continues amid Pep Guardiola rumours as another player put up for sale

    There could be a raft of exits at Manchester City this summer, with news that Pep Guardiola will depart after a decade.

    Football
  • Jose Mourinho's 10 major demands as he opens talks for Real Madrid return
  • Jose Mourinho wants to raid Man Utd for unexpected player in transfer that'd stun world football
  • Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez agree on blockbuster transfer to save Real Madrid
  • Shock Man City star 'offered to' Real Madrid ahead of Jose Mourinho appointment