Jose Mourinho has told Sky Sports he has already identified the “two or three good players” he wants in the summer to push Manchester United onto the next level.
United are in contention for Champions League qualification and are still involved in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League but are well adrift of Chelsea in the Premier League title race.
And Mourinho thinks some new arrivals will give United “the next push” they need to challenge at a higher level.
“I think with this group of players, the squad we have and the difficulties we are having during the season, I think we are more than fine,” he said.
“I think we will be ready in July to open the door for two or three good players to help us to improve our level. You reach a certain level of stability, you find your way to play, your philosophy and this is very important. We are stable in the way the team plays and we need one more push.
“The next push is the next transfer window. We didn’t use it in the winter and we are obviously going to use it in the summer and trust the players we have.
“Like Mr Woodward was saying, we will keep a huge percentage of the players we have at this moment in the squad. We need the next push.”
Mourinho has been known to complete transfer business early in order to give his side time to bed in, and he said that would again be preferable, although it is not always possible.
“If possible, it is better,” he said. “If you can start the preseason with your squad it is obviously better. I always say that the market closes on Aug. 31 when you are already playing matches, so it is not the best moment to do it. But sometimes deals are so difficult to do that sometimes the people responsible need one more day, one more week and it goes until the end.”
Mourinho added that signing the right players may still not equip United to challenge for the Premier League title and the Champions League immediately.
“No, I think it is the next step,” he said. “Is the next step enough to win titles? Probably, we can win this season without that transfer window but I think it is a good opportunity for the next step.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate