Can this Real Madrid man restore order at struggling Man United?
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We’re now over a quarter of the way into the season and, unfortunately for supporters of the club, it looks like a case of same old, same old for the Manchester United of recent years. Last weekend’s stalemate at home to Burnley left the Red Devils in eighth-place, now some eight points off the top of the table.
But while it’s seemingly all doom and gloom for Jose Mourinho right now, there’s one familiar face he could be set to reunite with fairly soon. And his arrival would almost certainly spark instant success.
Love him or hate him, there’s no disputing the fact that Real Madrid defender Pepe is one of the most successful centre-backs of his generation, and he has an ever-growing trophy cabinet to back up that statement.
The 33-year-old has two Primeira Liga, two La Liga, two Champions League and two Copa del Rey titles to his name, while adding a Euro 2016 medal to his mantelpiece back in the summer.
But, despite his popularity in the Spanish capital, stalls in contract talks in recent weeks have led many to believe Pepe could be set to leave the Bernabeu, with the Premier League reportedly his ideal destination.
Pepe has formed a solid relationship with 23-year-old Raphael Varane in recent weeks, the former taking advantage of first-choice centre-back Sergio Ramos’ injury problems. But it’s likely he’ll return to the substitute’s bench when the Spanish defender returns to full fitness.
And that’s a role the Portugal star isn’t used to. In fact, in the three years Mourinho was in charge of the Spanish giants, he used Pepe on a staggering 83 occasions.
Given United’s current form – one win in their last seven league games – it’s clear that a change is needed.
And although the Special One has some of the biggest names in world football at his disposal in the likes of David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his lack of quality options at the back means he’s perhaps one name short of a powerful enough spine capable of challenging for the Premier League.
Adding Pepe to his roster would certainly strengthen his chances of doing just that. But will United make the move?
What do United fans think? Would he be the right kind of player? Have your say in the comments section below.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
