According to reports, Manchester United are interested in signing Willian from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
Willian has two years remaining on his contract but looks set to move out of Stamford Bridge after starting just 20 Premier League games this season. Yet, he was named Chelsea Players’ Player of the Season.
The Brazilian has been Chelsea’s standout performer in an otherwise miserable campaign that saw the club finish outside top-four and subsequently miss out on a place in the Champions League next term.
Failure to finish in the top-four has put Antonio Conte’s future up in the air and despite winning the FA Cup, there is no guarantee that the Italian will stay next campaign.
Speaking about Willian, the 29-year-old has been a massive hit since joining Chelsea from Russian club Anzhi in 2013. Mourinho and Willian have worked with each other when the former was the manager at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese knows Willian’s qualities.
Willian would bring a lot of pace to the United attack, adding a different dimension with his creativity and flair. He is also a set-piece specialist and can solve United’s search for a right-winger.
With Chelsea missing out on Champions League football next term, a move to United would make sense for the Brazilian. However, it remains to be seen whether the Blues sell the Brazilian to United in the summer.
Having said that, if Willian reunites with Mourinho, here is how United’s attacking line-up will look next season.
Manchester United’s attacking line-up featuring Willian
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Nemanja Matic (CDM)
Signing Nemanja Matic from Chelsea has proved to be an excellent piece of business for Manchester United. Matic has been a consistent performer at United in his debut season. The Serb shielded the backline quite magnificently and while his form dipped a little towards the business end of the season, he has been a fantastic signing for Mourinho.
Fred (LCM)
If recent reports are to be believed, Manchester United are targeting Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, Fred. Capable of playing in a double-pivot or as a defensive midfielder, Fred would bring a lot of energy to United’s midfield.
Paul Pogba (RCM)
With the money United spent on signing him, Paul Pogba is expected to deliver week in and week out at United. The Frenchman has had another frustrating season where he showed brilliance in patches. United signing another holding midfielder would provide him with the license he needs to flourish every week.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
Alexis Sanchez has been disappointing since joining United from Arsenal in January. He has failed to adapt to Mourinho’s rigid and rigorous style of play but expect the Chilean to come good and deliver next term. A big season awaits for Sanchez!
Willian (RW)
United have lacked a proper right-winger for years now, with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Sanchez all being effective on the left. Mourinho has deployed Juan Mata on the right but the Spaniard has failed to deliver.
Willian could be the answer to United’s problem. The £110,000-a-week Brazilian would slot in on the right-wing. He will add a lot of freshness and guile to United’s attack and most importantly, give them the width they need.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
A fine debut season in United colours which saw Romelu Lukaku score 27 goals in all competitions. It is a healthy return considering Lukaku often sacrificed his personal tally by dropping very deep for the team. The Belgian looks to have massively improved his overall game under Mourinho.