The January transfer window was one of the main discussion topics when Manchester United Manager Jose Mourinho met the media a few hours ago to preview Sunday’s clash at West Bromwich Albion. United have not bought a single player in the past two editions of the January transfer window, and the last time they made a purchase during this period, it a back-up goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, in 2015. Perhaps this time it will be active and newsworthy.
Mourinho would not be drawn into a discussion about individual player transfer rumors, and refused to answer a question about Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, the initial top target of this past summer.
“I don’t speak about players. I don’t speak about players, especially players that being to other clubs, there is no sense.”
Other players being linked to United lately include Gareth Bale, Mesut Ozil and Ivan Perisic, but none of those deals seem very likely to happen in the January transfer window. If any of them actually do come to fruition, it would not be until the summer. United are clearly looking to upgrade the midfield, where they need to add depth and creativity.
“I’m not a big defender of the January market but there are players and situations that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn’t lose the chance,” Mourinho continued.
“I don’t like the January market just to buy, that no, but if you can buy in January a player that you would buy in June or July and you have the chance to get him a few months before then great, but just that.”
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is entering the final six months of his contract but Mourinho wouldn’t reveal any information when asked about any potential January deals.
“I’ve nothing to say in relation to Fellaini,” the manager responded.
Michael Carrick will likely be retiring and/or leaving the club at the end of the year, so there will be replacements that need to be made in the middle of the park.
United vs West Bromwich Albion injury report: go to this link
MUFC Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Odds via Paddy Power: United 4/7, Draw 3/1, West Bromwich Albion 5/1
Prediction: United 2, West Bromwich Albion 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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