Manchester United Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Comments Amid Paul Pogba Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed the club will sign one more player before the transfer window closes, with heavy speculation surrounding a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba lingering at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese was asked about his recruitment plans after the team’s friendly clash with Everton on Wednesday night. “The reality is we're going to sign one more player, the market closes, as you know, August 31,” he said, per Thomas Bristow of the Daily Mirror. “So, we have plenty of time to do that, but I would like to do that before the Premier League starts.”

According to James Ducker of the Daily Telegraph, United are close to finalising a £100 million deal for the France international.

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It’ll be a relief to many associated with United when this deal does eventually get finalised. The supporters particularly have had to endure a summer-long transfer saga and show the patience that’s required in the case of a world-record switch.

They’ll be hoping that Pogba is worth the wait and the outlay in the end. Here is a look at why he’s set to become the most expensive footballer of all time:

Mourinho will also be frustrated, as he seeks to build his side for the new season. Against Everton, United lacked a player in Pogba’s mould, as they toiled to a stalemate; there was no thrust from the midfield pairing of Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick, nor any ingenuity in the final third.

The France international offers both, and his ability to conjure moments that decide matches is why United will be desperate to get this one over the line as soon as possible.

These numbers from Squawka Football are indicative of the type of footballer the Red Devils look poised to sign:

Pogba will be an ideal foil for the attacking talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial and skipper Wayne Rooney, although those relationships will take time to build.

Of course, class footballers can quickly find a way to link up, but Mourinho is meticulous in the way in which he sends out his teams. Pogba will need to adhere to that.

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Herein lies what’s likely to be the biggest test for Pogba should he move to Old Trafford. He’s always needed a degree of freedom to be at his absolute best; in Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Portuguese already has a lot of kindred footballing spirits in his squad.

Bleacher Report UK offered their unique take on the club’s summer activity so far:

Mourinho at least seems confident a deal will be done and although it’s been a prolonged rigmarole, United will be in receipt of one of the world’s best midfielders when they get Pogba on board. Not only will he lift the spirits of fans and be a key commercial asset for the club, crucially, he’ll instantly improve the first XI.

Pogba will be another massive attacking weapon for United to call upon and it’s going to be fascinating to see how Mourinho—a known pragmatist—accommodates all these talents in his setup. If he can find the right balance, with the Frenchman at the fulcrum, the Red Devils will be tough to halt in pursuit of Premier League glory.