Jose Mourinho sees 31-year-old as missing ingredient to his defence

Manchester United haven’t time to mess around this summer. There’s a World Cup around the corner, which means inflated prices for players taking part, and Jose Mourinho will want to get his players in before pre-season start in order for them to gel prior to the 2018/19 season.

Italian outlet Tuttosport, translated by our friends at Sport Witness, claim United’s manager has picked up the telephone and told Leonardo Bonucci he wants him at Old Trafford.

If they’re to be believed that means United are in the hunt for two world-class Serie A defenders with a recent report from The Times suggesting Juventus’ Alex Sandro will join the club once the season concludes.

REPORT: Man Utd closely linked with the perfect match for Eric Bailly in defence

The story claims these Bonucci talks are at a very early stage, but a potential move has not been ruled out.

Mourinho, ‘convinced’ Bonucci is the man to make a real difference to United’s defence, knows he needs to find the right partner for Eric Bailly, although they’re both right-footed.

On Tuesday, the headlines referenced Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld as the man to partner the Ivorian, but now a vastly experienced 31-year-old has entered the frame. Bonucci’s AC Milan contract expires in June 2022.

More Stories Eric Bailly José Mourinho Leonardo Bonucci Manchester United