How Mourinho could line up Man United’s 4-2-3-1 if Arsenal star Mesut Ozil joins
Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for Arsenal star Mesut Ozil according to the Independent.
Jose Mourinho has of course coached Ozil before during his stint at Real Madrid.
More: For Mesut Ozil news and everything you want to know about the Arsenal star
If the Germany international of Turkish origin were to join United it would be the most high profile move from Arsenal to Manchester since the Robin van Persie saga.
The Gunners will be desperate to avoid a similar situation however, Ozil has under a 12 months remaining on his contact and has yet to sign a new deal.
This is how United could line-up if the transfer was to go ahead.
Ozil would pretty much slot into Mourinho’s side in a number 10 role. The Portuguese manager would have the choice of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ozil as his central attacking midfielder.
Mkhitaryan can of course play out wide so it would definitely give Mourinho more attacking options to a side that have lacked creativity at times this season.
Romelu Lukaku would be one of the main benefactors if Ozil was to join. The powerful striker would have according to Mourinho the ‘best number 10 in the world’ creating chances for him.
“He is the best number 10 in the world,” Mourinho said when Ozil joined Arsenal in 2013.
“He makes things very easy for his team-mates with his football vision and the decisions he makes.”
The central midfield duo and defence could however, be in for a tougher shift. Ozil has a reputation for not carrying out defensive duties so it will be down to the central midfielders and defence to cover for him.
Ozil’s workrate could pose a problem for a manager like Mourinho who demands all his players put in a shift.
The Portuguese manager has however, made it work with Ozil in the past.
Mourinho could also play him out wide and did so in the past at Real Madrid.
Ozil had a terrific record record at Real playing wide providing 81 assists and scoring 27 goals in all competitions.
