Jose Mourinho ‘concerned by Man Utd restructure and inefficient scouts working across the globe’
Under-fire manager believes the scouting at Old Trafford is inefficient and has cited Borussia Dortmund's process as the best scouting structure
JOSE MOURINHO is becoming increasingly perplexed by the scouting set-up at Manchester United, according to reports.
United currently have a MASSIVE 58 scouts across the globe who provide their expertise on potential targets.
The Old Trafford club changed their scouting operation after Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The legendary manager enjoyed using a small, tightly-knit circle of scouts to get his information.
But a need to modernise was seen as essential for the club and the major restructuring has seen the employment of dozens of talent spotters around the globe.
According to the , the new operation “is causing serious concern for Mourinho, who wants a more streamlined operation.”
The Mail have reported that the 55-year-old coach is becoming increasingly frustrated with the shear number of scouts deployed.
They said the former Chelsea chief is “perplexed at the scale of the department and privately argues the operation can be far more efficient.”
Mourinho made no secret of his frustration to sign his top-targets in the summer.
He was disappointed not to sign a centre-back – with Harry Maguire, Diego Godin and Toby Alderweireld at the top of his wishlist and failing to seal a move.
And the scouting-set up could well be the reason why he has failed to secure those players.
Mourinho reportedly cited Borussia Dortmund’s scouting operation as an example for improvement.
BVB have a committee ruling on transfers whereas Mourinho updates his targets every month.
The United chief also contacts head scouts Marcel Brout and Jim Lawlor monthly but often finds himself in the dark over any progress on his targets.
Astonishingly, a new scouting position in London has been advertised in recent weeks.
And Mourinho, who is under intense scrutiny for bad performances on the pitch and unrest off it, is fearing he won’t be able to sign his top target Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Napoli ace is his top-target and is valued at a sensational £90million.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese has backtracked on his claims his side need a miracle to finish in the top four.
He said: “We have like eight or nine points from fourth something like that, I don’t think we need a miracle at all.
“I think far from a miracle, we just need to not be so unlucky with problems that we have.
“We need some players to perform better than they are. We need to perform better as a team but far from a miracle.”
Man United face Arsenal at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Chris Smalling has fractured his foot but is hoping to be available for the match.
