Manchester United face a tricky trip to Southampton on Wednesday although all eyes will be on their Europa League final next week.

Jose Mourinho’s men saw their Premier League top four hopes come to an end on Sunday after losing 2-1 at Tottenham, a result which saw them slip seven points behind fourth place Manchester City with just two games to go.

However, the Red Devils are in the Europa League final next week where they will take on Dutch giants Ajax in Stockholm, knowing that victory in that would secure Mourinho a second trophy of his first season at Old Trafford, as well as a place in next season’s Champions League.

And it’s in the Champions League where United need to be to attract some of Europe’s best players, and one of those they have been linked with in recent days is Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez.

Sky Sports have reported that United have been given the chance to sign the 25-year-old this summer as the Colombia captain has seen his gametime reduce under manager Zinedine Zidane this season.

The 36-goal Galactico is undoubtedly a quality player and one that would hugely benefit the United team, but how would Mourinho set up with the midfielder next season?

Well, here are THREE ways in which United could line up with Rodriguez next term…

Midfield three (4-3-3)

Rodriguez has often been used in Zidane’s midfield three behind an attacking trio, usually Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale, this term.

In fact, ten of his 17 starts in all competitions this season has seen him in that role, and it was from that position in which he featured in the 4-1 win over Sevilla last time out.

Whether Mourinho would alter his system to fit Rodriguez in remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that he is effective in a midfield three and may well replicate that form at Old Trafford next term.

Out wide (4-2-3-1)

Mourinho’s more familiar 4-2-3-1 system would likely bring the best out of Rodriguez given that he can play in any of the three positions.

And out wide could be exactly where the Portuguese boss utilises him given his pace and trickery, and overwhelming desire to take defenders on.

The Colombian captain is an excellent crosser of the ball and has a great eye for a pass, and with the likes of Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial not at their best this season, Rodriguez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be the wide men that helps United sustain a Premier League title challenge next term.

Number 10 (4-2-3-1)

Arguably, playing in the number ten role would be the ideal position from which Rodriguez would be most effective.

The 25-year-old made his name at the 2014 World Cup playing in that position for Colombia, and it was from that role where he fired home a brace in Real’s 6-2 victory over Deportivo La Coruna a few weeks ago.

His technical ability and creative flair would be tailor-made for that role, although he’ll undoubtedly face strong competition from £89 million man Paul Pogba, as well as Spanish playmaker Juan Mata.