The Special One, in the market for a centre-back, will ONLY be allowed to pursue players that show value for money.
United’s policy left Jose without the big-name defender he wanted this summer after looking at Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina and Toby Alderweireld.
Spurs’ Alderweireld, 29, will be firmly on the agenda again when the window opens as he will have just six months left on his deal at White Hart Lane and may be available at a knockdown price.
Senior figures at United view the January window as a difficult month to land suitable players.
But they are willing to invest for Mourinho — IF the price is right.
Button your lip, Scholsey
UNDER-FIRE Manchester United skipper Paul Pogba appears to send a message to arch-critic Paul Scholes after receiving a souvenir of his France World Cup win.
Maybe he is a STAR after all.
In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era they have landed Juan Mata from Chelsea and Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in major mid-season deals.
Victor Valdes also arrived on a free as cover from Barcelona.
Sanchez also had six months left on his Gunners’ deal and although expensive in wages, showed high-profile deals can be done.
Before January, Jose will agree a list of targets with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and recruitment staff, and a maximum price for each player.
Woodward’s colleague Matt Judge negotiates deals for United, although this summer they only picked up Brazil midfielder Fred and back-up options in Lee Grant and Diogo Dalot.
Being prepared to spend in January will be seen as a sign of support for Mourinho after a troubled summer and a crushing defeat to Brighton last weekend.
But they are standing firm on getting players for the right price, regardless of rivals Liverpool breaking records to sign £75million Virgil van Dijk and £67m Alisson.
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