COMMENT: JT to United? Wilkins could be onto something here...
He threw it out this week. A floater from Ray Wilkins, the former Chelsea coach and Manchester United midfielder: could John Terry be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in January?
"I don't think China will be on John's radar. What about Old Trafford? He's not playing for Chelsea but I think he still has plenty to offer," Wilkins suggested on talkSPORT.
It could've been Wilkins just spitballing. But he knows Terry. As he does Mourinho. And it's not beyond the realm that such a deal is being discussed at Carrington.
Terry will be 36 next month. And on paper, the deal looks mad. Bonkers. But the stars are aligning. As a short-termer, this is one that could suit everyone.
Mourinho's defensive options are hopelessly short. Injuries are one thing, forcing him to field a back four comprised of three left-backs. But there's also those doubts the manager has about the quality of player he's inherited. With Terry, he knows exactly what he's getting.
Terry isn't going to play 30 games for United from the New Year. He's well past that. But how could anyone argue against the Chelsea captain getting a game given the state of United's current starting XI? And with the club warning that missing consecutive Champions League qualifications will bring a £20 million-plus penalty from adidas, Mourinho will know his team can't just hobble along in its present state. Changes need to be made.
And there's precedent.
When Mourinho popped up at Real Madrid, he made sure to take with him from Chelsea, Ricardo Carvalho - at 32. And at Inter Milan, he was united with a 34 year-old Marco Materazzi, leaning heavily on the Nerazzurri icon for those two glorious years. Materazzi wasn't a regular under Mourinho, but he was certainly the biggest influence during the Special One's tenure. On and off the pitch, Materazzi was effectively his No2.
And you fancy this is what Mourinho is missing at Old Trafford. We've had stories about a hair stylist visiting players on the eve of the thumping at Chelsea. Mourinho questioning the commitment of some members of his squad. And even this week, the manager having to deliver a motivational speech for the visit of Arsenal. It's bloody Arsenal! Why would any United player need a rev-up for such a game? Clearly, something is lacking inside the four walls of United's locker room. The arrival of Terry would help change that. And on the pitch, who'd be the better defensive mentor for Eric Bailly or young Alex Tuanzebe? Terry or Chris Smalling?
For Terry and Chelsea, like Mourinho, there's also precedent.
The Blues captain has seen the club allow Frank Lampard to move onto Manchester City. And Petr Cech to join Arsenal. If United came calling, even with Mourinho involved, it's difficult to see Roman Abramovich blocking him from moving on. And of course, it'll mean full circle for Terry. Having chosen Chelsea over United, his boyhood idols, despite Sir Alex Ferguson personally urging him to put pen to paper as a junior.
At Chelsea, Terry knows it's over. Antonio Conte's switch to a back three - meaning the need for an extra centre-half - has still left him on the outer. And Kurt Zouma's return to full fitness won't make things any easier. The writing is clearly on the wall. Chelsea are moving on.
Conte wanted Terry around this season. There was no pressure from Abramovich to keep the captain on. Conte valued the influence Terry had around the club. But the situation has changed since the return of David Luiz. A younger leadership group is now forming, with Luiz at the hub. In January, Conte won't be kicking Terry out the door, but he will make it clear there'll be little space for him over the remainder of the season.
At United, there's plenty of space. There's a vacuum in leadership and a medical room full of defensive crocks. Wilkins could be onto something: Terry to United actually could work...
INJURY TIME
Jose Mourinho has every right to be furious. The FA have let down Wayne Rooney and Manchester United.
Of course, we all believe in personal responsibility. And Rooney was wrong, dead wrong, as England captain to get carried away with that boozy night at the Grove. But what on earth were FA staff, teammates and an England coach doing to allow him to fall into such a mess?
They all know the score. They all know what'd happen if snaps of Rooney, in such a state, made their way to the press. And they allowed it to happen. They acted no better than the typical hangers on, who show no remorse or responsibility when their so-called 'mate' is snapped with a shisha pipe, laughing gas or is three sheets to the wind. The only difference being this lot from the FA have seen it all before - and so should've known better.
And Sam Allardyce was the FA's biggest problem? Do us a favour.