Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, is reported to be on the wish-list of Premier League giants, Manchester United.
The 29-year-old, who is almost certain to end his 11-year stint at Chelsea, could be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford – same manager that brought him to England.
Below are four reasons Mikel and the Red Devils could turn out to be a match made in heaven.
- The Mourinho factor
Mikel will certainly jump at the prospect of playing once again under Mourinho in the Premier League. The pair worked together on two separate spells first between 2006 and 2007 and most recently from 2013 to 2015. They won one Premier League, Football League Cup and FA Cup together.
- United’s midfield crisis
United are evidently struggling this term under Mourinho with the club’s midfield his major bane. Record signing, Paul Pogba, hasn’t really blended with his new teammates due to insufficient defensive cover in the middle. This is where Mikel has thrived over the years and his arrival could assist the Frenchman in establishing himself in England.
- Family
Mikel has always insisted that his next move is dependent on his family. The 29-year-old alongside his girlfriend, Olga Diyachenko, and two daughters are obviously comfortable in London and moving abroad will definitely not be on their minds. But a switch to United will apparently be welcomed considering the city is United Kingdom’s second-most populous urban area.
- Topflight football
Playing at the highest level of English football for the most successful club in the country will certainly be tempting for Mikel. Players around his age these days ply their trade in the Chinese League, the Major League Soccer (MLS) or even the Middle East. The Red Devils are still in contention to win four titles this season including the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. And adding more trophies to his already stocked cabinet will be fancied by Mikel.
