Three players that may leave United when Mourinho arrives

The romance between the Portuguese and United is one of the most intriguing in modern football.

And one that is not perfectly clear to the media. While a large section of the media is reporting that a deal is close, a small part still think United will appoint another person not Mourinho to replace Van Gaal.

But one thing is sure, the future will get clearer as the summer approaches.

The two look a perfect match, whichever way you want to look at it - for the short term or the long term. And personally I think a deal will happen sooner or later.

Mourinho is a man of his ways, and with United's current crumbling form and pattern, it is almost certain that he will partly overhaul the side, and build a side that fits his philosophy. 

The building process will involve massive transfers in and out of Old Trafford.

Redlyunited looks at three player that will most likely take their leave when Mourinho arrives.

1. Juan Mata

The pair may be meeting for the second time in their respective careers after their working together and fall out at the Bridge.

José sold Mata to United despite being the Chelsea player of the year, in the last two years, within six months of his second return to Chelsea.

Mourinho while trying to justify his sale of the player, criticised his work rate. He said:

"It is one thing to play with Ramires and Oscar closing down opponents on each side, and Mata as a No10 behind a striker with his clever assists, clever passes and fantastic actions because he has great talent.

"But it is another thing to adapt to the way we want to play. In this moment, Oscar is my No10 and, if anyone tells me Oscar has not been Chelsea's best player this season, I'd have to disagree."

Mata also fired a response to his former manager claiming he is happy to be a luxury player. The player was quoted as saying:

"If a luxury player is a player who scores and assists and has good stats, then I'm happy to be a luxury player.

"I've scored as many goals for Manchester United in the Premier League as for Chelsea, but in something like 30 games less.

"In terms of scoring and assisting and I'm quite happy with the states, and stats don't lie. They are facts."

With a relationship like this, it's hard to see the two men work perfectly with each other.

2. Memphis Depay

The Dutch winger has arguably  been Van Gaal's worse signing this season.

He arrived at Old Trafford with a lot of respect and expectation, having led PSV to the Dutch title last season.

He has however failed to live up to the billing at Old Trafford. He has made more news with his actions off the pitch than on the field.

The Portuguese likes players with high work rate, players that are  defensive minded irrespective of their playing position and Depay doesn't perfectly fit into this class.

With no nonsense Mourinho at the helm of affairs, the Dutchman is most likely going to be part of the exodus out of Old Trafford.

3. Maroune Fellaini 

The Belgian has never really convince United fans that he is perfect United player. Inconsistent and seemingly lazy performances have been his greatest undoing at United.

Mourinho may fall in love with him at first because of his physical stature and body.

But will he be able to cope with Mourinho's high physical hardwork and demands in the midfield?   

I doubt.

It's a case of stepping up or stepping out for the big Belgian.