James Rodriguez to Mancheter United – Do they really need him?

No one would doubt Manchester United breaking the bank again if they have to to get their transfer target. If they are really out to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid they will get him.

Rodriguez seems surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu and selling someone they paid Monaco £71m for three years ago would be a useful way of funding their summer transfer plans.

The question is, do United want – or need – him.

Jose Mourinho is certainly intent on strengthening his squad this summer. But the clear weaknesses are in defence, central midfield and attack.

In Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jessie Lingard, United already have a number of deeper lying forwards.

Adding James to that list would put United at a disadvantage if they have to sell any of the above players because buying clubs would know it was out of necessity rather than desire.

But there is no denying the fact that James Rodriguez is an upgrade to any of the above-stated players and if he hits the ground running would be a good buy for Manchester United.