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Jose Mourinho has already solved £68.5m problem for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is the last guy to win a trophy for Manchester United, and whether you like him or dislike him, there is no disputing that he has had and continues to have an impact at Old Trafford and beyond. It’s been more than three years since the charismatic Portuguese was fired.

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Another trophy-less season means there hasn’t been any since Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League double in 2017. That was meant to be the starting point.

In reality, it has proven to be anything but, and more change is on the way. After one cultural reboot, it appears like Erik ten Hag will be the next to take the stage.

A black cloud was claimed to have been removed the minute Mourinho was issued his P45 in December 2018. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave optimism, dreams, and a positive attitude to the club.

He did not, however, bring any silverware. Ralf Rangnick was unable to do so as well, and Ten Hag appears to be the next manager to shepherd United over turbulent seas. Initial discussions have taken place, and important members in the Old Trafford boardroom regard him as a preferred contender.

After finishing as Premier League runners-up to Manchester City last season, United made a triple statement of purpose by acquiring Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo – but they did, importantly, lose out on a top-level defensive midfielder.

England midfielder Declan Rice remains the number one target in these parts, despite concerns that West Ham may dig in their heels over a fee for the player. However, before embarking on that potential endeavor, clarification on his long-term mentor, among other things, may be required.

Rangnick has given Scott McTominay and Fred, who have heavily criticized under Solskjaer, fresh leases of life, and that is one issue that has been addressed in the short term. This summer, it will be redressed.

Meanwhile, battering full-backs are popular in the Premier League, and while Luke Shaw and Alex Telles provide competitive choices on one side, United – especially, Aaron Wan-Bissaka – have been left in the dust by Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and other right-wing pioneers.

Wan-attacking Bissaka’s contribution simply does not compare to what he gives United defensively. United is aware of this.

It sparked plans to bring Kieran Trippier back to the UK last summer. That, however, fell by the wayside, and Newcastle took full advantage of the situation in January.

It’s an important part of the pitch that has cost the Old Trafford leadership roughly £70 million since 2018. Mourinho approached Porto at the time and returned with Diogo Dalot for £19 million. Only a year later, they spent another £49.5 million on Wan-Bissaka. But did they get it right the first time?

Having failed to hold onto a regular spot under Rangnick’s tenure, Portugal international Dalot impressed early on and, while Wan-Bissaka has been given opportunities since then, the Portugal starter has surpassed him as the first choice at right-back.

That, however, arrives without him destroying any trees. Dalot may or may not be the long-term solution, but he has earned the right to stake a claim for the near future. Ten Hag, if chosen, should give Dalot first dibs next season and seek for other areas to enhance while allowing the Portuguese a merited and prolonged platform to shine, at the risk of proving Mourinho correct yet again.

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