Jose Mourinho not confident of deadline day signing
Premier League club Manchester United's pursuit of a central defender in this summer transfer window is likely to end on a sour note. Today the window shuts in England and there are a few hours left for the English giants to get a deal over the line. But manager Jose Mourinho has stated that he isn't confident that any signing would be done.
What did Jose Mourinho state?
Mourinho came for a press conference today and stated that, "The market closes today. It is time for me to stop thinking about the market". He then added that, "I am not confident. I have to focus on the players I have and the next few matches." Jose has cut a frustrated figure all through the pre-season. And it has continued up till now.
The scenario surrounding defensive options for United
Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld was linked all summer, but the club's valuation saw the deal stall. United were then liked with Harry Maguire, but Leicester City aren't looking to part ways with the England international and United's bid was rejected. Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng was speculated with a loan move, but reports stated that the German player refused to come to Manchester.
United see bid for Godin rejected
Latest reports have come in that United have seen their bid for 32-year-old Diego Godin getting rejected by Atletico Madrid on Thursday. The window is turning out to be a poor one for the club as there is chaos all around.
United are hit badly as Leicester battle awaits
United open their campaign against Leicester City on Saturday and there are multiple issues for Mourinho. He is without two defensive mid-fielders Matic and Ander Herrera, with both suffering from injuries. Right-back Antonio Valencia too is out and there is no assurance on how many minutes will the returning World Cup stars get as they resumed training from Monday.
United's defensive situation at the moment
United allowed defender Daley Blind leave for Ajax in the summer. Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian too were expected to be shipped out, but now with no replacements coming in, they are expected to stay back. Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones are the central defenders in fray. New right-back Diogo Dalot is injured as well.
Likely XI: United vs Leicester
Here is the possible United XI vs Leicester: David de Gea (goal-keeper), Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, Andreas Pereira, Fred, Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata.
