Seven stars targeted as Mourinho makes Man Utd transfer plans

Manchester United look set to postpone the proposed renovation of Old Trafford after Jose Mourinho drew up a seven-man summer shopping list.

The Red Devils had planned to increase the capacity from 75,000 to 88,000 this summer but according a report in Mailsport those plans have now been put on hold to fund another Mourinho spending spree.

Having already spent £300million during his time at United, Mourinho is said to have once again demanded major funds to strengthen his squad in an attempt to challenge rivals Man City.

The report goes on to state that United chiefs, including executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, are ready to prioritise Mourinho’s needs over the upgrade to the stadium.

Furthermore, it’s claimed the United boss has identified seven players he would like to sign, with The Sun claiming Nice’s Jean-Michael Seri is said to be a £35m target, along with Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Napoli’s deep-lying playmaker Jorginho. Victor Wanyama and Toni Kroos have both been mentioned too.

In addition, it’s claimed Mourinho has his eyes on both Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti – who is also apparently wanted by David De Gea – while Chelsea winger Willian ‘remains a player of interest’.

Only recently, Mourinho recently complained over the lack of atmosphere at the ground and the club are keen for a development after several complaints were issued.

Supporters have previously bemoaned the stadium’s layout, as well as the level of corporate hospitality that is available.

But despite managing to engineer breakthroughs enabling the club to consider expansion to the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, it would now appear that those blueprints will be put on the back-burner for now.

It was also believed that extending the stand would be impractical due to the railway line that runs adjacently to it.

However, new plans can be raised without affecting the service of the line, leaving the door open for possible expansion.

An industry insider stated that United are falling behind their Manchester City neighbours, telling the Mail: “It’s accepted that when it comes to corporate hospitality, City are streets ahead.

“United still have the big pull, because of the prestige and history of the club, (but) City’s Tunnel Club is 10 years ahead of anything they have at Old Trafford.

“It’s not that United’s offering is not good, because it is. However, there is no wow factor. You’re talking good at United, but out-of-this-world at City.”

 

The best United news direct to your Facebook timeline: Like our dedicated Manchester Utd Facebook page.

 

More from Planet Sport: Boris Becker: Tennis needs a fully-fit Andy Murray. (Tennis365)