CLARION CALL
Mourinho warns of tough season if Man U don’t strengthen squad
Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United face a “difficult season” if they do not strengthen their squad before the Premier League transfer window shuts on Thursday.
United’s build-up to the new campaign has been dominated by Mourinho’s clear frustration over transfers, which has brought his relationship with executive vicechairman Ed Woodward into the spotlight.
The only arrivals at Old Trafford this summer have been Brazilian midfielder Fred, teenage full-back Diogo Dalot and back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant.
In sharp contrast, Champions League finalists Liverpool have spent more than £170 million on new signings including Brazil’s World Cup goalkeeper Alisson and midfielders Fabinho and Naby Keita.
“My CEO knows what I want and I still have a few days to wait and see what happens,” the Portuguese manager told MUTV ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly defeat by Bayern Munich on Sunday.
“The other clubs who compete with us are really strong and already have fantastic teams. Or they are investing massively like Liverpool, who are buying everything and everybody.
“If we don’t make our team better it will be a difficult season for us.”
United were beaten 1-0 by Bayern at the Allianz Arena, five days before their Premier League campaign begins at home to Leicester.
Mourinho, who has been linked with moves for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld and Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire before the transfer window shuts, selected Alexis Sanchez as captain in Bavaria.
Reports in Germany on Sunday said United have also expressed an interest in Bayern defender Jerome Boateng. —
The other clubs who compete with us are really strong and already have fantastic teams. Or they are investing massively like Liverpool, who are buying everything and everybody Jose Mourinho