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What do Manchester United need before the transfer deadline?

Jose Mourinho (C) signals from the touchline
Image: Does Jose Mourinho need to bring in any more new players?

It's been a busy summer for Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in the transfer market, but will there be more new arrivals before the deadline?

The Red Devils have taken maximum points from their first three Premier League games of the campaign, with world-record signing Paul Pogba starring in their 2-0 victory over Southampton.

Here, we look at what United have done in the transfer market so far, and what could happen before the 11.30pm deadline on August 31.

Ins

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG, free), Eric Bailly (Villarreal, £30m), Henrik Mkhitaryan (Borussia Dortmund, £26.3m), Paul Pogba (Juventus, £93.25m)

Major outs

Victor Valdes (released), Nick Powell (released), Guillermo Varela (E Frankfurt, loan), Paddy McNair (Sunderland, £2.75m), Donald Love (Sunderland, £2.75m), Adnan Januzaj (Sunderland, loan), James Wilson (Derby County, loan)

What do they need?

Mourinho can have few complaints about Manchester United's summer transfer business, with the signings of Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly significantly strengthening a squad that now looks well stocked in most departments.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (L) celebrates with Paul Pogba after scoring United's second goal
Image: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have made an instant impact

But could there now be more to come? Chris Smalling's injury has exposed a lack of depth in central defence, with reports suggesting Mourinho could target an experienced signing in that area. Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera's good form have reduced the need for a midfield addition.

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Who are the targets?

Newspaper reports say Southampton's Jose Fonte is the man Mourinho wants to reinforce his central defence. The 32-year-old impressed impressed as Portugal won Euro 2016, and he shares the same agent as Manchester United's manager in Jorge Mendes.

Jose Fonte
Image: United have been linked with Southampton defender Jose Fonte

United are one of a host of clubs to have been linked with Brazilian starlet Gabriel Barbosa. The 19-year-old striker impressed for his country at the Olympic Games, and Premier League champions Leicester are also reported suitors. Most of the recent rumours around United, though, have concerned outgoings rather than incomings.

What has Mourinho said?

The Manchester United manager has given little away with regards to transfers. "The market is open until August 31," he said ahead of last Friday's game against Southampton. 

I keep saying I am very happy with the players I have.
Jose Mourinho

"I keep saying I am very happy with the players I have. I don't speak."

What's the pundit view?

Matt Le Tissier: "I'd be surprised if they did anything else. There's been talk of them going for Jose Fonte and you could understand them adding a body in there with Daley Blind having to fill in again, but you wouldn't expect him to start if everybody is fit.

I'd be surprised if they did anything else.
Matt Le Tissier

"It would also be a real blow if Southampton were to lose the man who has guided us up from League One, a player who is as big as any to the club."

What's your view?

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