Manchester United have had an eventful first-half to the season - picking up 41 points out of a possible 52 in the Premier League so far. However, they are still playing second fiddle behind their fierce rivals Manchester City. It is they who currently occupy the top spot after winning 17 of the 18 games they’ve played so far this season, currently holding an 11-point gap over their Manchester rivals.

United will have a lot of work to do after Christmas should they want to catch their rivals up in the race for the Premier League title, and rumours have already begun circulating concerning how Jose Mourinho will go about doing so.

Injuries and suspensions have left United short of options at times this season, and the fans will certainly be hoping Mourinho can resolve the issue when the transfer window opens on January 1st. So who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford?

Mesut Ozil and Jose Mourinho to be Re-United?

What could potentially be one of the more controversial transfers of the season looks like it has the potential to happen. Mesut Ozil is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season, and Arsenal are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract. However, with the player yet to announce his intentions for next season, there is still a possibility the club may be forced into selling the German in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer should he refuse a new contract with the Gunners.

United have emerged as favorites to sign the World Cup winner, who spent three years playing under Mourinho at Real Madrid between 2010-13. Despite the fact the pair struggled to see eye-to-eye towards the end of Mourinho’s tenure as manager, Ozil has since insisted he loved playing under the current United boss. Statistics show the German international played some of his best football during his time under Mourinho at the Bernabeu.

Now, it’s a possibility that the pair may be reunited should Ozil fail to agree to a new deal with Arsenal, with United potentially being able to weaken a title-rival in Arsenal whilst also strengthening their pursuit of City.

Mourinho to swoop for Serie A Star?

Another name on the lips of United fans is Inter’s rising star, Joao Mario. The central midfielder is now in his second season at the San Siro and has been on the losing side just once in 17 Serie A games so far this season as Inter trail league leaders Napoli by just two points.

The midfielder signed for Inter after an impressive Euro 2016 campaign with Portugal, who went on to defeat hosts France in the final to secure the country’s first triumph at a major tournament. He played in every game for Portugal en route to the final and played a starring role in Paris to help Portugal shock the footballing world by lifting the trophy.

The 24-year-old has already tasted success in his young career, and Mourinho will be hoping he can lure the midfielder away from Milan to help his United side achieve the success they have been tipped to achieve this season.

They still remain in the hunt for the Premier League title having qualified for the Champions League knockout stages whilst opening their FA Cup campaign in January.

Mourinho to address left-back issue?

One area put in question for United has been the left-back spot. After Luke Shaw’s poor run of form following his return from injury, it’s been Ashley Young who has stepped in at left-back. Despite an impressive run of performances, his inexperience at the position has been highlighted by many as a potential weakness for United.

This has sparked rumours that Mourinho will look to sign a well-established left-back during the January transfer window, with one man being identified as a potential target.

Alex Sandro is claimed to be frustrated at his current club, Juventus, regarding his lack of playing time, and is said to be ready to push through a move away from Turin in January. The Brazilian was linked with a move last summer, but interested parties failed to meet Juve’s hefty €70million asking price for the full-back.

Fellow Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, were amongst those interested in signing the Brazilian during the summer, and it’s likely they will come back in for the defender in January - meaning Mourinho would face stiff competition to get his man. However, with a potential Premier League title on the line, fans will be urging the club to make a big-name signing such as Sandro this window to increase the pressure on their title rivals.
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