Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini will be sold by Jose Mourinho if he is appointed Manchester United manager, as he bids to turn the red devils back into a European force.
According to the Daily Mail, the Portuguese manager has instructed United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to cash in on the pair which will also free up extra funds for Mourinho to bring in his own players.
It is expected that the former Chelsea boss will be given a healthy transfer kitty in order to surge United up the Premier League table, as the club look to put an end to three consecutive seasons of mediocrity.
Mourinho not convinced by Mata
Mata was sold to United from Chelsea when Mourinho was in charge. The Spaniard was snatched up by David Moyes for a staggering £37 million in January 2014, as the Scot hoped that Mata would improve United’s form and in turn save Moyes’ job. Something which did not materialise.
The former Chelsea player has scored 22 goals for United but has consistently been played in a wider position by both Moyes and current manager Louis van Gaal. Although it seems the Spaniard will not be deployed in any position under Mourinho as he looks to sell him for a second time.
Time up for Fellaini
As for Fellaini, who the United fans have never really warmed to since joining the club also under Moyes in 2013, the Belgian is expected to be given his marching orders as Mourinho looks for a higher calibre of player in midfield.
Could more leave Old Trafford?
If Mourinho is appointed, and it seems it is only a matter of time before an announcement is made, then he is sure to make various changes to the squad with other players, not just Mata and Fellaini, also in danger of being shown the exit door at Old Trafford.
The self-proclaimed Special One is expected to take over the reins at Old Trafford from the beginning of next season as van Gaal has failed to convince everyone concerned with United that he is capable of taking them back where they want to be, at the top of the league.