Entering 2016, Keisuke Honda’s AC Milan future was up in the air.

The Japanese playmaker had struggled for game time in the first half of this season, and the indications were that he would soon be on his way. He had started just four times in league action since Sinisa Mihajlovic took the reins last summer and seemed to be edging closer to the exit door.

He made several comments in public that hinted at his own unhappiness, telling Kyodo News (h/t Football Italia) in early January that, “the situation has become even uglier. I arrived at Milan in the hope of being able to … change things, but since then the club has continued to keep changing coach.”

Less than two months later, however, and Honda’s situation is markedly better. He starred in Milan’s 2-1 win over Genoa at the San Siro on Sunday, scoring a fantastic goal to round off a strong all-round display.

His individual showing in the victory was merely the latest in a string of performances evidencing an improved work rate to go along with his longstanding technical skills. In many ways, it was the confirmation of a complete turnaround in personal fortunes.

In facing Genoa, Honda looked into a alternate version of what his future could have been. Former Milan players Suso and Alessio Cerci—both left-footed playmakers—appeared for the opposite side having moved to the Grifone in the January transfer window.

The Japan midfielder was rumoured to be on his way too, though club chief executive Adriano Galliani stated otherwise recently, telling MilanNews (h/t Football Italia):

He always states his opinions politely. He wants to stay at Milan, and we want to keep him, he’s never been for sale and he’s never asked for a transfer.

We’re very happy with what he’s doing now. He’s doing very well, he works very hard and sacrifices himself so much for the team.

That willingness to put in the hard yards is something that has impressed in Honda’s performances, establishing him in Mihajlovic’s starting lineup. Even when his passes, dribbles or shots aren’t coming off, the minimum he has offered to the team is his maximum effort.

Against Genoa, Honda added a productive edge to his effort. It was his cross that ended up at Carlos Bacca’s feet on five minutes, setting the Colombian up for a routine finish to put Milan ahead.

Then, after the hour mark, Honda cut inside and unleashed an accurate, curled finish to double his team’s lead. It was a stunning strike; a goal so good that it was surprising to realise the player previously hadn’t scored since October 2014.  

He was immediately surrounded by his team-mates, celebrating what must have been a huge milestone with him.

After the match, Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo commented on how pleased he was with Honda and his contribution to the team, telling Sky Sport Italia (h/t Forza Italian Football): “Honda is a reliable and trustworthy player. I’m happy to have a player like him in the team, with guys like him you reach your goals.”

Honda’s attitude isn’t just winning over his fellow players, though. In the aftermath of the derby win over Inter Milan, Mihajlovic remarked of the 29-year-old, when speaking to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia), that “when you explain clearly what he needs to do, he does it. He sacrifices himself.”

Self-sacrifice isn’t a trait commonly associated with trequartistas. Honda’s ability to adapt to a new role on the right of a four-man midfield, combined with his determination to aid his team not only when they have the ball, but when defending, make him unique in this respect.

BeIN Sport’s football commentator Matteo Bonetti stated that, in his opinion, Honda has been “one of Milan’s best performers since (the) derby.” He isn’t wrong.

A matter of months ago, it seemed as if Honda was set to waste his prime years sitting on the substitutes’ bench in a perpetual state of frustration. That has all changed now. And, if he can continue his current form, he can play a big part in Milan’s future.

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Chelsea are reportedly plotting a sensational summer swoop for Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, via Tom Olver of Metro.

Busquets has been a virtual ever-present for the Catalan giants since he made his debut for the club back in 2008, with solid and composed performances in the heart of midfield, giving Barca’s flair players the chance to shine.

He’s also proved the perfect foil for creative midfield partners Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta this term, so it’s little surprise Chelsea are chasing his signature.

However, the 27-year-old is currently tied down to a contract at the Camp Nou until 2019, with the option of an additional season on top of that.

That means that it’ll cost the Blues a pretty penny to convince Barca to send Busquets to west London, and it doesn’t look as if manager Luis Enrique will be willing to listen to offers anytime soon.

The Barcelona manager said Busquets is one of the most important members of his remarkable squad—via ESPN:

“He was one of the players who has played the most minutes this season, and that shows how important he is for us. He is a top player. I won’t hail him anymore because we already know his importance to the team.”

Persuading Busquets himself to leave could be rather tricky, too, as he has often voiced his love for Barca and his desire to stay at the club.

And although the midfielder did, in fact, open up to the possibility of leaving Barcelona during an interview with ESPN, Stamford Bridge wouldn’t be his planned destination:

I have always said there are just two people who could make me change my decision to stay at Barcelona. One of those two people is my wife. And she is happy here right now, so I don’t think there will be any issues on a personal level. On a sporting level, that other person is Guardiola.

It’s clear that I owe Pep a lot and I would be honoured to work with him again. He knows that Barcelona are my club and it’s his club as well. He knows it’s best for the club and for me to stay here and I don’t think he will ask me to leave Barcelona.

So, unless Busquets’ wife is a die-hard Chelsea fan, the Blues will have to shop around to find a new anchor in the heart of their midfield.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have reportedly joined the chase to land Lille striker Sofiane Boufal in the summer transfer window, per TalkSport, via Olver of Metro.

The Ligue 1 front man has scored seven goals this season—via WhoScored.com—and put together a string of impressive performances to make his way onto the Blues’ radar.

However, Chelsea aren’t alone in chasing Boufal, as Olver writes that Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Stoke, Southampton, Juventus, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in landing the Moroccan.

Chelsea are slowly but surely becoming a team to be feared in the Premier League, but if they can’t secure Champions League football for the 2016/17 season, luring players to Stamford Bridge could be a tough task.

Winning Europe’s elite competition could prove the Blues’ only ticket back into the big time, and their mission to do exactly that starts on Tuesday, when they take on the in-form PSG at Parc des Princes.

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Rumoured Manchester United target Edinson Cavani will reportedly leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with the striker said to be unhappy in the French capital.

That’s according to Le 10 Sport (h/t Sport Witness), which claim PSG are happy to see the forward leave for the right price. It’s noted in the piece that the Red Devils remain keen on the Uruguay international, although so do a lot of teams from Serie A, a division in which Cavani shone previously for Napoli.

Here is a look at why United fans should be excited about these latest rumours, as Cavani has proven himself to be one of the finest strikers around:

Still, he’s not actually playing as a centre-forward at the Parc des Princes, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic regularly deployed at the point of the attack. It means Cavani is primarily utilised on either flank, and while he’s still effective in these positions, he’s not at his best there.

Indeed, as noted here by the Brazil Stats Twitter account, recently it seems as though PSG manager Laurent Blanc is happy to use more natural wingers in the wide areas:

United look to have been on the hunt for a forward too. But Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has insisted he would turn down a future move to the club, having heard the Premier League side were seeking to sign him in the January window.

There have been rumours surfacing that the young striker could leave the San Siro after a breakdown in the relationship between himself and manager Roberto Mancini. However, when asked about potential interest from the Red Devils, Icardi was adamant his future will be in Milan.

“I heard something, but I want to stay at Inter,” he said to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Will Giles of Metro). “My answer will always be the same: I want to stay here. If Manchester try again, it will not be the first club or the last that I refuse. I feel good in Milan and I will not leave. The club has a major project and is making big investments to get back to winning and I want to help out.”

Here’s how he, Cavani and United’s current starting centre-forward, Wayne Rooney, all compare in league matches this season:

If United want a forward who can offer a lot more in general play, who is willing to work hard and is versatile, then it’d be no surprise to see them go all out for Cavani, who turns 29 on Feb. 14, at the end of the season. However, if they feel as though they need a poacher who is young and with room for improvement, then Icardi could be the best bet.

As these statistics show from WhoScored.com, the Inter man is a player who finds himself in brilliant positions because of his clever movement in the penalty area:

Icardi, as is evident by his quotes, seems happy at Inter, though, meaning it’ll likely be more difficult to potentially prise him away if there is genuine interest.

At 22, he’d be a brilliant capture for United and another youthful talent in an exciting young squad.

Cavani looks more and more like a gettable target. Should he find himself continually out of the starting XI in the French capital then there will be plenty of top sides willing to take him off PSG’s hands.

United, with just Rooney and Anthony Martial as genuine options up front, would be a brilliant home for the Uruguayan in the peak years of his career.

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Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo has revealed he was approached by Manchester United during the January transfer window, but he turned down the opportunity to join the Red Devils on loan.

The Japan international made the revelation in an interview with Inter TV (h/t Mail Online’s Jonny Singer): “I like everything about Inter, I want to stay here and renew my contract. I turned down an offer from Manchester United, as my desire is to stay here. I have an excellent rapport with Roberto Mancini.”

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News confirmed United’s offer was a loan deal, similar to the deal the club tried to strike for Olympiakos defender Omar Elabdellaoui.

Nagatomo has plied his trade in Italy since 2010 and moved to Inter from Cesena in 2011. The 29-year-old has been a valued member of the Nerazzurri ever since, although he has been limited to just nine Serie A starts this season, per WhoScored.com.

A classic left-back who can play further up the pitch if needed, Nagatomo has flown under the radar in the past few years as Inter have rarely made much of an impact outside of Serie A. The Japanese star is a fine player, however, as you can see in the video below:

He does most of his damage with his quickness and displays a phenomenal work rate on the pitch. Nagatomo can run for days and will drive opponents mad with his tendency to keep moving and harass them at every turn.

He’s not a fantastic technician or a particularly good crosser, but Nagatomo is the type of player fans can’t help but love because he always gives it his everything. Under normal circumstances, a club like United wouldn’t pay too much attention to the Japanese defender, but in light of the Red Devils’ struggles with injuries, the approach makes a lot more sense.

Manager Louis van Gaal spent the better part of the season’s first half looking for answers at the left-back position, as designated starter Luke Shaw suffered an injury during the UEFA Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutchman tried a variety of options, including moving Daley Blind out wide, shifting Matteo Darmian to the left and using centre-back Marcos Rojo in the position. None of the variations were ideal, and it wasn’t until the emergence of young star Cameron Borthwick-Jackson when some consistency was found.

The 19-year-old has seen his playing time gradually increase during the last month, and given his strong form, the club no longer has a dire need for another full-back. But as recently as four weeks ago, the Red Devils could have used an experienced veteran to bring some stability to the position, and Nagatomo would surely have fit the bill.

A loan deal would have been ideal, as Shaw is expected to return at some point in the future, and while some fans may frown upon hearing their club tried to bring in a little-known Japanese player, the reported approach makes a lot of sense.

Inter likely wouldn’t have been too keen on handing the Red Devils one of their most valued players unless the loan fee was significant. And as Nagatomo has spent the last half-decade playing in the Italian fashion capital, it’s easy to see why he preferred an extended stay with his current club.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he will not be tempted into over-paying for players in the summer, although he has conceded the offseason will be a significant time for his side’s development.

The German has been spared criticism after an inconsistent beginning to life at Anfield mainly due to the fact this is a group of players assembled by his predecessor, Brendan Rodgers.

Many are expecting Klopp to put his mark on the club at the end of the season with new signings, but he’s also talked up the class of his current crop, per Liam Spence of the Daily Express:

Of course, the summer is important and there are several things we need to develop – one is transfers, the other’s time. But we showed in the January window we will not be trying to sign players just for the sake of it, and just because we have money. 

We won’t get drawn into a bidding war, because we have a very good squad already.

The pursuit of former Shakhtar Donetsk star Alex Teixeira is testament to that fact, as the club held firm in their pursuit. As reported by Sky Sports News, the Reds decided not to meet the Ukrainian side’s £35 million valuation for the player having bid £25 million for his services; he has since joined Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning.

In the summer, you suspect these are the types of players who Liverpool will be targeting; the club’s former left-back John Arne Riise feels only then will we be able to make a fair judgement on Klopp:

Indeed, the current squad doesn’t seem to be capable of playing the kind of style the German craves nor possess the quality needed to push the Reds up the table. 

One of Klopp’s biggest strengths at Borussia Dortmund was recruitment and subsequent enhancement of players. The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic all made huge strides under his guidance, and with Liverpool unable to match the transfer market’s big players, expect a similar path to be followed.

There is some talent in the Liverpool squad, with Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Emre Can the standout players. If Klopp can supplement their qualities with some shrewd summer additions, we may begin to see a Reds side that is a more accurate representation of the manager.

Mario Balotelli Set For Liverpool Return

According to Calciomercato, Milan are already eyeing up a replacement for Mario Balotelli, who will reportedly head back to Liverpool at the end of the campaign.

The Italian international joined the Serie A side on loan this term after falling out of favour under Rodgers. However, his second stint at the San Siro has been punctured by injury problems and the club are reportedly interested in Genoa’s Leonardo Pavoletti to take Balotelli’s place in the squad next season.

As noted by beIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti, despite his clear affinity for Milan, Balotelli isn’t the most popular figure at the San Siro, even among club icons:

It’ll be intriguing to see what’s next for the intriguing forward should the Serie A giants decide not sign Balotelli.

There’s obvious talent when it comes to the 25-year-old, but having failed to settle at Inter Milan, Manchester City, Liverpool and Milan, it seems unlikely another elite European club will take a gamble on him.

Klopp, a revered motivator, could potentially get the best from the Italian. Still, even with Balotelli playing at his best, he doesn’t possess the tenacity or work rate to lead the line for this team. Therefore it’d be a big surprise if the Italian had any kind of long-term future on Merseyside.

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Jose Mourinho will reportedly become the highest-paid manager in world football at Manchester United, raking in a salary that’ll even surpass that to be accrued by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

That’s according to Richard Tanner of the Daily Express, who claims the Portuguese is to sign a deal which will see him take over from Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford next season. It’s suggested Mourinho will earn a staggering £15.5 million-a-year in the role, compared to the £15 million annual salary Guardiola is set to pick up across the city.

Tanner cites “reports in Spain” which claim the three-year contract to be signed by Mourinho will be worth a total of £46.5 million, amounting to a weekly wage of £300,000, which is the same as United’s club captain Wayne Rooney.

As Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez notes, should things pan out as expected, the Premier League will be host to some of the best managers in the game next season:

Mourinho’s list of silverware would certainly suggest he’s a manager who warrants being one of the highest paid on the planet.

The Portuguese is renowned for immediately fashioning teams which are superb at grinding out results, instilling a winning mentality in players and ultimately clinching silverware.

At FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, he gave the supporters many memorable moments and for that reason, in some quarters, he’ll always be remembered fondly.

However, there are downsides which inevitably accompany the Portuguese and Guardiola knows about them all too well.

Indeed, Mourinho infamously poked the former Barcelona boss’ assistant, the late Tito Vilanova, in the eye in 2011, and matches between these two great rivals became extremely bitter affairs, per Paul Hayward in the Guardian.

Even so, Bleacher Report’s Graham Ruthven thinks that getting Mourinho in at United would be smart move to counter Guardiola’s switch to City:

Guardiola is, in many respects, the antithesis to Mourinho, with the fact his sides are successful the only real similarity to draw.

Generally, the Bayern Munich head coach is a respectful manager who rarely indulges in controversy, while his teams play an open and aesthetic brand of football; you suspect he won’t relish having to come up against the Portuguese again, though.

If there is veracity to these reports, it’s a statement from United. Perhaps it’s necessary to pay these kinds of figures to acquire Mourinho too; after all, he’s a free agent after being let go by Chelsea earlier this season, and there are plenty of clubs on the continent who would love to have a serial winner at the helm, regardless of the baggage.

What they earn will not determine the next chapter in the legacy of each of these great managers, though. How they fare in the pressure-cooker environment of the Premier League in a city renowned for its football fandom will see to that, and for those on the outside of what could be a feisty dynamic, it’s going to make for fascinating viewing.

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Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to be given a £300 million transfer kitty to rebuild the Manchester United squad if he takes over as manager at Old Trafford.

The former Chelsea boss looks increasingly likely to succeed the struggling Louis van Gaal as United manager, with the latest reports indicating he will receive £15.5 million a year should he take over from the Dutchman in the summer, per Richard Tanner in the Daily Express.

To go with his enormous salary, Mourinho will also be handed a “war chest” of up to £300 million to build a squad capable of challenging again for top domestic and European honours, according to Jeremy Cross in the Daily Star.

Per Cross, a United source said: “If Jose comes in he will be given whatever it takes to make United the best again. But it isn’t just about how much is spent, what matters is how it is spent because United need the right players to take them forward. Only genuine world class stars will be looked at.”

Van Gaal has spent more than £250 million since joining United in 2014, and to little effect.

Though he secured a top-four Premier League finish last season, the Red Devils were knocked out of the 2015-16 Champions League at the group stage and are currently struggling to qualify for next term’s competition—fourth-placed Manchester City are six points ahead of them in the table.

Mourinho, though, has a higher stature in the game due to his huge success in the last 15 years with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, and Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones believes he could attract better players to United: 

Cross mentioned the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Thomas Muller, Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane as possible targets for United under Mourinho.

However, his report also indicated Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos will still be out of reach even if the Portuguese comes in, as Los Blancos “are refusing to do business with United.”

The 53-year-old manager will undoubtedly shake things up if he is installed as Old Trafford boss, and that will not be limited to only bringing players into the club, per football writer Sam Pilger:

Mourinho has historically liked to deal with a small squad and will certainly move out some of the numerous additions that have been made by David Moyes and Van Gaal since Sir Alex Ferguson called it a day at Old Trafford in 2013. 

He will also have his own transfer targets in mind that have not, as yet, been on United’s radar.

One current star that the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing is Inter Milan captain Mauro Icardi.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Metro‘s Jamie Sanderson), Inter will accept offers of around £34.9 million for the striker in the summer if they fail to reach the Champions League next season.

The report indicates that United went in for Icardi in January and are prepared to return for him come the summer.

He would, in theory, be a decent addition to United’s squad as they are currently short on strikers and the 22-year-old Italian is a proven finisher, per Opta:

Over the last two seasons, Icardi has netted 32 times in 57 Serie A appearances, and he would provide United with another goalscoring outlet alongside Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, per WhoScored.com. 

However, while he may be on United’s radar now, that could all change in the summer if Mourinho takes the top job at Old Trafford.

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The players and staff at Manchester United are reportedly already “worried” by the prospect of Jose Mourinho becoming the club’s manager due to his “confrontational approach.”

According to Chris Wheeler and Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail, while there is no official agreement in place, the former Chelsea chief has told those close to him his move to Old Trafford is a “done deal.” Richard Tanner of the Daily Express writes Mourinho will pick up a yearly salary of £15.5 million, which surpasses that of the next Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, and will make Jose the best-paid manager in the world.

However, despite the Portuguese’s distinguished career and the recent struggles of the role’s current incumbent, Louis van Gaal, it doesn’t seem the squad are unanimously excited by the appointment, per Wheeler and Ashton:

Players and staff alike are said to be concerned about the confrontational approach Mourinho would bring to a stable environment.

They are well aware of the problems that engulfed the former Chelsea boss behind the scenes before his messy departure from Stamford Bridge in December, and do not relish the discord and rows that have become synonymous with the temperamental Mourinho. 

There are concerns that Ryan Giggs would not hang around to integrate himself into another new regime, having had to sit alongside David Moyes and Van Gaal while United have slipped into decline.

According to Martin Blackburn of the Sun, the future of Ryan Giggs is a concern for some of the squad. He writes that the players are “split” when it comes to Mourinho, with a “fear” festering that the club’s current assistant manager may not have a position in the new regime.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Pilger thinks there may be other reasons behind the players’ concern at the Portuguese’s possible acquisition, though:

Mourinho does have a reputation for being something of a taskmaster. When the Portuguese takes charge of a club and the team begins picking up results, there’s a mechanical streak to the way the XI functions; they possess quality, intelligence and most crucially for the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager, an unshakeable defensive fortitude.

And when momentum is behind the team, affinities between Mourinho and his players begin to flourish. Just look at the emotion that was on show between him and Marco Materazzi after Inter won the Champions League under his stewardship in 2010:

Mourinho’s post-game antics can alleviate some of the pressure on his players too, with headline-making quips or controversial views often becoming the main story.

They’re qualities which, for a while, can endear him to players, but in his most recent spell at Chelsea—in which he was sacked earlier in the campaign—they didn’t quite carry the same substance.

That’ll be a worry for the United players. Sure, Mourinho will likely come in, shake things up, fine tune the team and win a trophy or two. But his managerial career so far is a blueprint for short-term success, not long-term stability.

So it’s a potential appointment the Red Devils need to be careful with. Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette thinks that the summer is the best time to get the new manager in, provided Van Gaal continues to draw the kind of form the Red Devils have showcased in recent matches:

History dictates that Mourinho—should he finalise a deal to join United—will steer the Red Devils in a particular direction.

He’ll almost certainly bring success, but at Old Trafford—where long-term consistency, adhering to traditions and youth development are also vital—silverware alone is not enough to be deemed a major hit.

That’s why supporters, staff and the players will hold concerns. Mourinho will need to be flexible in his management style should he take the position at Old Trafford and ensure the positives he brings to a football club are not totally offset by the aforementioned deficiencies.

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has warned his former club they should be very careful when picking between Jose Mourinho and Ryan Giggs to be their next manager―or risk a lengthy title-drought similar to Liverpool‘s.

The former centre-back thinks the decision on Louis van Gaal’s replacement is “huge,” and he fears the wrong choice could have dire consequences, per MailOnline’s Jack Gaughan:

I think if they bring someone else in, it is a huge decision because if this doesn’t go right, it could be a long cycle.

We don’t want to be a repeat of what Liverpool have gone through. Manchester United don’t want that long time in the wilderness of not really winning or being successful and not challenging for titles.

That can’t afford to happen at Man United. The problem they’ve got now is who they choose.

Are they going to go for someone who has had success, who knows how to manage teams like Jose Mourinho, or will they go with someone who is already in the house like Ryan Giggs?

That’s the problem they have got and the questions that have to be asked. If I knew the answer to that question, I would be the CEO.

Manchester United have hit a rough patch since longtime manager Sir Alex Ferguson walked away from the sport in 2013. Replacement David Moyes lasted less than a year and failed to qualify for a European competition, while Van Gaal has fared little better.

The Dutchman is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of this season, and both Giggs and Mourinho have been mentioned as possible replacements. The latter has reportedly told friends he already has a deal in place to join the club, per Gaughan.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta, who played under Mourinho during Inter Milan‘s treble-winning season in 2010, thinks the former Chelsea boss is the perfect candidate, as noted by Gaughan in a different article:

It takes a brave coach to go there now, but Jose is brave enough.

For the last three seasons Manchester United haven’t been the Manchester United people are used to.

I know there would be pressure on Jose to get United back winning trophies, but that will not bother him.

In my experience Jose doesn’t feel pressure – he has such belief in his abilities.

The Jose that you see in interviews is also the Jose the players see, he really is that confident in himself.

Mourinho’s second spell with Chelsea came to an end earlier this season after a horrible start to the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, but last year, he guided the Blues to the title in dominant fashion.

He previously won silverware with FC Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid and remains one of the most successful managers of his generation. While he has his detractors, there’s no denying he generally finds success wherever he goes.

Per Gaughan, his style of managing remains an issue for some people within the club, and that was the reason he wasn’t handed the job back when Ferguson retired in 2013. But fans and pundits seem desperate for United to land him this time around, including the Manchester Evening News‘ Samuel Luckhurst:

Giggs would be a likely alternative, a club legend who already had a short cameo as a player-manager when Moyes was sacked. He has worked as Van Gaal’s assistant since 2014 and knows the club and the current squad as well as anyone.

The Welshman would demand the respect of the dressing room, but he has limited experience managing a club and would face tremendous pressure the moment he accepted the job.

While there are examples of managers with limited experience finding immediate success at a top club―think Pep Guardiola with Barcelona―plenty of inexperienced coaches have cracked under the pressure―like Filippo Inzaghi at AC Milan.

Both potential managers carry significant risks, and after Moyes and Van Gaal, United desperately need to get this next decision right. It’s been 26 years since Liverpool, once the pride of England, last won the country’s top division, and that is one example the Red Devils do not wish to follow.  

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Jose Mourinho is reportedly “certain” he will take over from Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager this summer and has told friends it is a “done deal.” 

That’s according to Sam Cunningham of the Daily Mail, who added that Mourinho was reportedly “on the verge of agreeing terms” at the weekend and is eager to step into the hot seat at Old Trafford.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes the Portuguese is a must in order for United to return to the glory days they once enjoyed—a sentiment football writer Liam Canning agrees with in light of Manchester City hiring Pep Guardiola:

Canning thinks Mourinho will indeed get the job and is relishing the prospect of Mourinho and Guardiola going head-to-head once again, just as they did when they were in charge of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively:

In his relatively short managerial career, the 53-year-old has already won 22 trophies including eight league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain, two Champions League trophies at Porto and Inter Milan.

His success has also come far more recently than Van Gaal’s, as the majority of the Dutchman’s silverware came in the ’90s.

Despite huge spending in the transfer market, Van Gaal has thus far failed to significantly improve United from the days of David Moyes—if indeed he has at all.

The Red Devils sit 12 points behind league leaders Leicester City and six points behind Manchester City in fourth place, so while Champions League football is hardly out of the question there remains a realistic chance United could miss out for the second time in three seasons following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

There does remain the question over Mourinho’s reputation for less-than-exciting football, and he may not be able to recapture the fast-paced, thrilling style of play they displayed so often under Ferguson.

However, he has shown the ability to produce more expansive football during his time at Real Madrid, and in the first half of last season his Chelsea side produced some scintillating displays.

Not to mention, this season’s struggles aside, he produces positive results and is experienced at winning trophies.

For an Old Trafford faithful starved of thrills, that could well be enough in the short term.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1oqWnUc
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