Mourinho sets sights on former Manchester United man Keane, Smalling could pay the price

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was ridiculed by some last summer when he broke the world transfer record to bring in Paul Pogba years after the club had let the Frenchman go for nothing.

Well, it would seem that such mocking was water off a ducks back to the former Chelsea boss, with reports from Mail Online suggesting he is prepared to spend £25m on Burnley defender Michael Keane, who the Red Devils sold for £2m just two years ago.

The England international has impressed under Sean Dyche this season, playing a key role in retaining Premier League status for the first time in the club’s history.

The 24-year-old made just five first team appearances for United and, whilst they would get a cheaper rate than others due to a 25% sell-on clause included in the deal they struck with Burnley in 2015, it would still represent another rather foolish decision by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Meanwhile, whilst one former Red Devil could be returning, a long-standing player could be on his way out to make room at the back.

The Mail’s report also claims that fellow Three Lion Chris Smalling could be leaving the club after seven years and nearly 250 appearances, having become disillusioned by the management and criticism of Mourinho during his maiden season.