Even before the end of the last season, Jose Mourinho gave a transfer list to Manchester United to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window. He wanted five new faces at Old Trafford, while his employer managed to complete only three signings.
Apart from the right-back, midfielder and goalkeeping position, the Portuguese tactician also wanted to strengthen the centre-back and his side’s attack. For the latter, Juventus’s Mario Mandzukic was his ‘first choice’ target, according to Calciomercato.
The Italian website claims the Red Devils manager was keen on securing the services of the former Bayern Munich man and he did tried to convince the forward to move to the Premier League. A move to United would have seen his salary rise from €3.5m to €5m-a-year.
Unfortunately for the ex-Chelsea manager, the Croatian international continued with the Old Lady and the report claims Massimiliano Allegri played a key role in convincing the 32-year-old to stay at the Allianz Stadium.
The Turin club’s coach convinced Mandzukic that he is still a key player in his plans for this season and Juventus could offer him a new contract.
