Manchester United have no chance to finish above the sixth place in the points table this season but they do have a chance of qualifying for the Champions League if they win their UEL final over Ajax at the weekend. That has not stopped Mourinho in looking high and dry for top class additions and the latest name doing the rounds at Old Trafford is Real Madrid star Pepe.
The Portuguese international helped his country to the EURO16 not so long ago and is one of the best defenders in the modern game. Aggressive and dominating, Pepe is known for his hard tackling defending and Mourinho is convinced that he is what his side have missed this season.
Zinedine Zidane, the current Real Madrid coach has used Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane as first choice this season leaving Pepe on the bench for most games. The 34-year old has two goals and an assist in just 18 games in all competitions this season and has been the second choice for the manager.
He is out of a contract at the end of the season and has already revealed that he wants to quit the club and Jose Mourinho wants a Portuguese reunion at Old Trafford this summer.
Strong in the air and accurate with his passing, the 34-year old has been a superb player for Real Madrid over the years but at his age, he might not be able to replicate that form week in week out at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho spent on Eric Bailly at the start of the season but the loss of form for Chris Smalling and Phil Jones has seen the manager look into the transfer market for yet another defender. The likes of Jose Gimenez, Marquinhos and Victor Lindelof are all linked with a move to Old Trafford while some suggest that Burnley star Michael Keane has agreed on a switch to the club.
These deals will increase Mourinho’s options at the back but Pepe’s acquisition will add experience to the back line. Pepe is not expected to be the first choice in the league next season but he could be the man to push United out of tough spots and can help them see off games from the bench.
Jose Mourinho’s sides are inherently hard to beat and having a beast like Pepe to call on to, will only make them stronger as a unit. Even at 34, the Real Madrid star has what it takes to play at the highest level and could be a sensational coup even now for United. However, he has been linked with a move to Inter Milan recently so United should act fast if they are to sign him up.
