The tensions between Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward might not ease up anytime soon, as the club's plans for the January transfer window might not please their manager. The Special One is not on great terms with the Red Devils' executive vice-chairman after their uninspiring summer business, with the Sun claiming things are unlikely to improve in winter.
According to the British tabloid, the Portuguese boss will not be cut a huge cheque to spend on players when the window reopens mid-season. The board is open to strengthening the defense, as per Mourinho's wishes, but will not overspend.
This means Man United will go after players only if the value is right. The English giant is thus unlikely to splash the cash in January to land a defender similar to what Liverpool did with Virgil Van Dijk.
As a result, the Old Trafford side could only end up targeting bargain buys, which might do little to please Mourinho. While the Portuguese tactician landed Fred, no big-name defenders were brought in.
Jose feels he has not been backed by Woodward to challenge for the title, as their only defensive signing over the summer was Diogo Dalot from Porto. The Man United executive vice-chairman was unwilling to spend big on Mourinho's targets, Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld.
While Leicester will still demand a huge sum for their English center-back, Tottenham's Belgian ace could leave for a bargain fee as he would have entered the final six months of his contract.
As for now, the Special One's main focus will be fixing his current back-four. The likes of Bailly and Lindelof were atrocious in Man United's 3-2 loss at Brighton and will need to elevate their game very soon if they wish to avoid another embarrassing defeat when they host Spurs on Monday.
