Man United Rumors: Mourinho Deals With Major Setback In Signing Red Devils Star

New AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho may not be close to raiding his former star at Manchester United.

Mourinho is set to take over Roma next season, and various reports from Italy bared that the Portuguese tactician is keen to bolster his new squad.

Among the players that Mourinho has set his sights on is Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic.

Roma has tested the water by reportedly reaching out to Manchester United for Matic earlier this month, and the Serbian is said to also have a mutual interest in joining the Italian side.

However, things may not be as easy as it sounds as Matic’s current salary is said to have “risen,” and Roma will not be able to afford it, Italian outlet Tutto Mercato reported.

Matic, who has two more years left in his current deal with Manchester United, is earning around the region of €7 million ($8.5 million) per season, a figure too high for Roma, the report added.

It is not yet known if Matic will be open for a pay cut in order to complete a transfer that will see him playing for Mourinho for the third time in his career.

Mourinho and Matic had a successful time at Manchester United and Chelsea. The pair won the English Premier League title with the Blues in 2015, and if reports are accurate, the renowned manager is looking to make a huge impact at Roma with the help of the 32-year-old midfielder.

In the past season, Matic played a total of 31 matches for the Red Devils across all competitions.

Despite being one of the most active Manchester United players, the two-time Serbian Footballer of the Year has failed to register a single goal and assists to his name.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has yet to comment about Matic’s future at Old Trafford.

However, based on his statement about the midfielder ahead of the 2020-21 season, it seems like he is pleased with Matic’s performance and would want the three-time Premier League winner to stay.

“Nemanja [Matic] is playing some of his best football,” Solskjaer told Manchester United’s official website before the start 2020-21 season. “He’s had a good pre-season for the first time in many, many years ”

“I’m very, very happy that we’re seeing the best of Nemanja and he’ll be important for us, and then, of course, it’s down to performances and if Nemanja wants to stay but at the moment he’s in great form,” he added.