Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Jose Mourinho and Jamie Vardy Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly close to “hitting the panic button” when it comes to manager Louis van Gaal, with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho touted as a potential replacement.

The Red Devils suffered another shock loss on Saturday, falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Norwich City. According to Oliver Holt of the Mail On Sunday, it’s a result that has hauled the Dutchman’s future under the microscope. Holt noted the club's vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, would love a “trophy signing” of the calibre of Mourinho.

Holt continued, explaining why Mourinho may not have been the right fit for United previously but could well be now:

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When Sir Alex Ferguson retired as United boss, it was widely felt that Mourinho would not be right for the philosophy of the club. United were empire-builders then. They craved the solidity and the longevity of another Ferguson, someone to build a new dynasty. There was opposition to the shock-jock philosophy of Mourinho. ...

But now things have changed. Sir Bobby [Charlton]’s influence has waned, and United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, is a man who would jump at a trophy signing like Mourinho to buy himself a bit more time after the mess he has overseen since he succeeded the former chief executive, David Gill.

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Holt goes on to claim Mourinho would “jump at the chance” to join the Red Devils. The Portuguese oversaw a turbulent beginning to the campaign with the Blues but has the pedigree to manage a juggernaut of the game such as United, having enjoyed success in all of his previous managerial roles.

Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette can see the logic behind bringing in Mourinho, even though he is a divisive personality:

Van Gaal seemingly needs to turn things around very quickly if he’s to remain in a job. The Red Devils are in danger of being left behind in a season that has been one of the most open Premier League campaigns ever. There’s been a swell of angst from the fanbase too, with results now matching the moribund style the team plays in.

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When a proven winner such as Mourinho is available, it makes Van Gaal’s position all the more precarious. The Portuguese will not be out of work for long given his supreme managerial record, and should United spurn the chance to bring someone of his calibre in while he’s unattached, it’s a decision they may well come to lament.

Jamie Vardy Encouraged to Stay at Leicester

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Reported Manchester United target Jamie Vardy has reportedly been warned about making a midseason move by England manager Roy Hodgson.

According to Neil Moxley of the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror), the Three Lions chief wants Vardy to stay put at Leicester City in order to keep momentum going ahead of next summer’s European Championship.

The Leicester City forward’s sharp attacking play has caught the eye this season, helping the Foxes' surprising surge to the summit of the Premier League. Vardy has been linked to United as a result, with Moxley saying the Red Devils are willing to spend £30 million to land him.

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As we can see here, courtesy of Squawka, along with team-mate Riyad Mahrez, Vardy has been part of an extremely potent Leicester attack:

He has qualities that United could undoubtedly do with too. Aside from his cool head in front of goal, Vardy has wonderful work rate, runs the channels brilliantly and has a nasty streak that any side needs. They’re attributes a ponderous Red Devils outfit have lacked under Van Gaal this season.

This United team could certainly do with a boost too. As we can see here, courtesy of Goal UK, they’re in a major rut at the moment:

Vardy would be wise to heed the advice from the England manager. The chance to join an established elite side may be tempting for the former Fleetwood Town man, but Leicester seem poised to achieve something special this season, and he will hope to be part of that process.

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It also outlines the difficulty United face in getting new players in during the midseason window. Any genuine quality will cost a lot of money, and even if a bid is accepted, players could be unwilling to uproot halfway through a campaign. So if the Red Devils are to revive themselves, it’ll most likely be through the endeavours of this current squad, not new faces.