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Real Madrid star’s future is in Jose Mourinho’s hands

By Rucker Haringey

Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez (10) against the United States during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez (10) against the United States during the third place match of the 2016 Copa America Centenario soccer tournament at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Real Madrid may have a deal to make with Manchester United

At this point, it seems that James Rodriguez and James Rodriguez are headed towards an ugly divorce. It’s more a question of when, rather than if. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho may be the key to James securing a January escape from Zinedine Zidane.

Reports from the Mirror claim that the relationship between James and his manager has finally reached its breaking point. That clearly means James has the potential to come the January transfer window’s most interesting storyline.

The reports also claims that the Colombian star has his heart set on a move to Manchester United. That comes as a bit of a surprise given Chelsea’s reported interest in the talented attacker. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Jose Mourinho appears to be undecided about whether or not to sanction a move for the La Liga star.

For the record, I can understand Mourinho’s hesitancy. James is a tremendous talent, but he isn’t a player who fills a real need for United at this point in time. The Special One has a multitude of attacking options at the moment. He already has enough difficulty figuring out how to find enough match time for players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata. Adding James would only compound that problem.

On the other hand, some believe that James is a transcendent talent. There’s no shame in struggling to secure a place in Real Madrid’s starting XI. That only means you can’t manage to dethrone the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Isco for a starting spot.

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I wouldn’t expect to see United make a swift move for James. Mourinho and Ed Woodward will spend the majority of their immediate time trying to offload the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay. Only after they’re shipped out, will the duo have time to contemplate adding such a big-name.

Ultimately, the odds still favor James staying at Real Madrid for the remainder of the season. The injury to Bale combined with the inconsistency of Isco leave a real opportunity for him to earn Zidane’s trust. If that doesn’t happen by the end of the year, look for Chelsea to pip United for the international star.

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