The Sunderland striker is thriving and has been recalled to the England squad.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe celebrates after the game
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has just earned his first call-up to the England senior team, after four years in the international wilderness.
At 34-years-old his selection has made the news but there is no doubt he deserves it. His form has been superb since joining Sunderland, scoring 36 goals in 80 appearances and helping Sunderland in their fight for Premier League survival.
He is the sort of player that Sir Alex Ferguson would certainly have taken a look at if he was still Manchester United manager.
So should Jose Mourinho?
Sir Alex gave the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Henrik Larsson and Michael Owen opportunities late in their career. He also heavily considered the signature of a veteran Paolo Di Canio. Class is permanent being his motto.
Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands before the match
Each player had mixed success but Defoe is of a similar age but perhaps in better shape than any of those players above.
He is scoring goals still on a regular basis for a team where chance creation is at a premium. Imagine what he might do with the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba providing for him.
Manchester United are blessed with cash, and could sign many of the world’s best strikers. But Defoe is a proven Premier League scorer who could add much needed depth to the first-team at United if Mourinho decided to take a gamble.
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