Manchester United’s dream spine come February

Manchester United needed a late Wayne Rooney goal to snatch a 1-1 draw from their trip to Stoke City on Saturday.

The Red Devils looked set to lose in the Premier League for the first time since October when Juan Mata found the back of his own net, but England captain Rooney stepped up late on to net his 250th United goal, and in turn become the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer.

However, it means that United’s faint title hopes are all but over after Chelsea beat Hull 2-0 on Sunday to go 14 points clear of the Red Devils, who currently occupy sixth place in the table.

Mourinho’s men will now focus on clinching a Champions League spot and indeed some silverware from the season, as they go to Hull on Thursday night hoping to protect a two-goal lead in their League Cup semi-final, and in turn reach a ninth final in the competition.

Nonetheless, Mourinho may feel that he needs to strengthen his squad in the final week of the transfer window in a bid to finish in the top four and, unsurprisingly, they have been linked with many a player in the last few weeks.

Thus, here is the dream Man United come the end of the month…