For all of their clashing throughout the years, United and Chelsea can finally relate.
Both clubs are trying to find stability in turbulent times, as new managers and uninspiring 2015-16 seasons have created a sense of desperation in Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. Both clubs finished outside the top 4 for the first time in Premier League history.
Now, Jose Mourinho can exact revenge on his old club by cherry-picking Chelsea’s players and transfer targets. The ‘Special One’ is only one more offseason acquisition away from rounding out his desired quartet.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte is keen on finding answers to Chelsea’s middling finish. He has aggressively pursued a couple of centre midfielders, both of which would also fit nicely in United’s scheme.
The post-Mourinho era has begun in Stamford Bridge, or has it?
These are the THREE players who would be better off at Man United than Chelsea this season…
N’Golo Kanté
Chelsea have all but solidified terms with Leicester City’s star midfielder. Antonio Conte has taken a direct role in the Frenchman’s recruitment, offering the Premier League champions £29m for Kante.
Manchester United haven’t entered the Kanté sweepstakes, but the versatile midfielder is exactly the player Jose Mourinho needs. United’s defence is stout, and their attack is brimming with budding strikers and a world-class goal-scorer in Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The gaping weakness is in the midfield, even after Mourinho recently acquired centre mid Henrik Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund to stimulate the attack. United need a versatile, box-to-box workhorse to stabilise the midfield. Kanté is surely one of the best in the role.
Recent developments with Kante indicate that the chase for the Frenchman has turned into a bidding war. His buyout clause is £22m. Shanghai SPG have expressed interest in Kanté, galvanising Conte to up the ante.
United have no shortage of resources. Securing Kanté would give Mourinho his coveted fourth signing of the summer, while asserting early dominance over his old club.
Radja Nainggolan
The box-t0-box star dominated the midfield for Roma this season, and Antonio Conte took notice. The newly minted Chelsea manager has desperately tried to lure Nainggolan to Stamford Bridge.
As time has lapsed, the prospect of Naingollan sporting a blue jersey has dissipated. Roma rejected Chelsea’s £33million bid for the midfielder last week, and he has said he will likely stay with the Italian club.
What a rift Mourinho would cause if he snatched the Belgian midfielder from his old club. Like K’ante, Nainggolan is an exceptional passer with a relentless work rate. He even showed a bit of scoring in the EUROs.
He would perfectly complement the more attack-minded Mikhitaryan and Wayne Rooney in the United midfield. Nainggolan could change his mind with a lucrative offer and persuasive pitch from Mourinho.
Cesc Fàbregas
Two seasons ago, Fàbregas headlined the Chelsea midfield that led the squad to a title. The Spaniard’s 18 assists easily led the Premier League in 2014-15.
His performance withered last year, and now Fàbregas’ future with Chelsea is unsteady.
Mourinho has expressed interest in the Spaniard midfielder. The transfer potential likely hinges on whether Conte acquires N’Golo Kante, who would play Fàbregas’ role in the centre of the pitch.
Fabregas’ high volume, accurate passing would fit nicely in United’s midfield. A Fàbregas swoop would also make the Mourinho resentment that much stronger in Stamford Bridge.
