Manchester United face a huge task this summer to build a side capable of challenging for the Premier League, after a performance this season that’s largely been under-par.

The Red Devils may have won the League Cup, sealed their spot in the Europa League final and enjoyed a 25-match unbeaten run in the Premier League but Jose Mourinho’s side sit sixth in the standings, falling short of their pre-season expectations.

Mourinho is likely to splash the cash again this summer, potentially breaking the £89m transfer record he only set last summer with the addition of Paul Pogba from Juventus, but one big name being linked with a move to Old Trafford is questionable.

The latest reports suggest that Manchester United have agreed a deal in principle to bring James Rodriguez to the club from Real Madrid this summer, with the Colombian failing to excel at the Santiago Bernabeu.

James set the World Cup alight in 2014 and earned a lucrative move to the Spanish capital from French principality side Monaco as a result but he’s struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities since, standing as a bit-part figure in Real Madrid’s set-up.

An exit is likely for the Colombian this summer and Manchester United remain the favourites to seal a deal, though it’s not clear where exactly James would fit-in to Jose Mourinho’s side.

Manchester United’s attacking contingent is already strong with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all capable of starring on the wing, whilst Juan Mata and Paul Pogba are the go-to choices in attacking midfield roles.

James would likely play in either of those positions and it’s difficult to see the need for his addition, as the more pressing midfield concern is finding a deep-midfield partner for Ander Herrera- and James Rodriguez certainly isn’t that man.

For the player himself, moving to Manchester United would also be a questionable move as he may find himself struggling for consistent first-team openings in the same way he’s finding problems at Real Madrid currently, so there seems to be no benefit of moving to Old Trafford.

On United’s part, it really would look like spending money for the hell of it and James would certainly not come cheap, which would decrease the club’s funds to strengthen in other areas- which is a concern considering the defence needs significant upgrades and United continue to eye a top-class striker recruit in Antoine Griezmann.

Money isn’t really an issue for Manchester United and they’d certainly be able to sanction a move for James alongside their other summer recruits but there really doesn’t seem to be any tangible benefits in a deal.