Jose Mourinho has always been fond of a Brazilian (not the wax).
Mourinho has had the likes of Willian, David Luiz and Oscar at Chelsea. He’s had Maicon, Julio Cesar and Adriano at Inter. And he’s had Kaka and Marcelo at Real Madrid.
The only Brazilian on Manchester United’s books currently is Andreas Pereira, however he remains on loan at Valencia and it’s looking increasingly likely that he will leave on a permanent deal this summer.
Who, then, will Mourinho be looking to fill his desired Brazilian quota at the Red Devils? Because the United boss certainly sounds keen on bringing at least one in this summer.
“I think that a team without a Brazilian isn’t a team,” Mourinho told ESPN. “But also, a squad with three or four Brazilian athletes, depending on their profile, cannot make a great team too. I’m kidding!
“I think their talent is fantastic and the creativity of the Brazilian player cannot be measured. If a European team, like, very European, could have a Brazilian in their squad, it would bring a ‘Brazilian thing’ to the game and I think that’s very important.
“I worked with Brazilian players in every team I coached, and I enjoyed [them] a lot, everything they can give and also every problem they can create!
“But honestly, I enjoyed a lot, and who knows we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year. I don’t believe it will be Willian, because Chelsea won’t make it possible.”
After seemingly ruling out a reunion with Willian, who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Old Trafford, Mourinho prompted much discussion about his transfer plans with the above comments.
Supporters reckoned that the United manager was hinting at a move for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, while names like Fabinho and Alex Sandro have also been mentioned as potential targets.
https://twitter.com/Carrick4united/status/990168465620262912
Mourinho said that we could have a Brazilian in the team next year. Good chance that is Fred #MUFC
— Jay (@ubhasin90) April 28, 2018
Mourinho saying we may have a Brazilian in the squad next season…just as long as it’s not Pereira I don’t mind. In fact I hope with have 3, Sandro, Fabinho and Fred
— Michael Barton (@mrmichaelbarton) April 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/MagesticJose/status/990137700517900288
Mourinho's Presser Confirms that Jose Will Buy Fred From Shaktar during off season. Brilliant acquisition that. #Mufc
— Governor (@tapiwASemple) April 28, 2018
Pleasseeeee Mourinho get Fabinho & Fred. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
— Mike Jack (@kny3s3gnu) April 28, 2018