Manchester United defeat Fulham last weekend to record their first victory in victory in five games. Despite the sounding victory, the Portuguese off the pitch has continued to search for a credible central defender with series of players approached.

Prior to the current football season, the Portuguese tactician was linked with a host of name with Maguire and Alderweireld topping the list, but Club Vice Chairman Ed Woodward vetoed the deal.

Harry Maguire has already committed his future to his current side Leicester city on a five year basis and would be difficult to acquire. Manchester United facing the reality immediately switched to Koulibaly but their €88 million bid was rebuffed by Napoli. Recent reports have it that the Italian club wants £90 million for the Senegalese international.

Recent reports have it that the Red Devils have made a U-turn to Alderweireld whose deal valued at £40 million can be afforded.

Beyond the Pitch Podcast host Phil Brown revealed that the Belgian was offered to Manchester United for £30 million last summer.

He said: “Alderweireld was offered to United for £30m and they still said ‘nah, we’ll come back for you next season’.

“I don’t understand that.”

Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Dave Kitson has slammed Mourinho for his style and training sessions at United.

“I think if you look at when the England players from United go to England you can see them high-fiving, jumping all over each other, hugging each other,” Kitson said.

“Go and watch a Man United training session – it’s like someone has died.”

Attention switches to the continental games where Manchester united take on Valencia at the Old Trafford. With Juventus 2 points clear at the top of the table, a second place finish is very likely.