Report: Manchester United must offload before reinforcing in January

Jose Mourinho will be told by the Manchester United brass that he has to sell before he buys in the January transfer window, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

The club's results for the 2017 financial year showed the wage bill had risen by 13.5 percent, and Mourinho has splurged £285 million on transfer fees since succeeding Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2016.

Luke Shaw, a £27-million signing in 2014, would appear the most expendable, with Mourinho previously questioning the left-back's commitment and footballing intellect. With the 2018 World Cup looming, the 22-year-old Englishman has only appeared as a substitute twice this season - brief League Cup cameos against Burton Albion and Swansea City.

There could be a possible exit for Marouane Fellaini too. Mourinho is an unabashed fan of the lanky midfielder - stating in September that "he's a very important player for me, much more important than you can imagine" - but with his contract nearing its expiration next summer, the Belgian international may seek a move that earns a more reliable run of first-team minutes. He will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January, when his deal enters its final six months.

There will be pressure on the club to bring in a significant windfall with these potential sales. Mourinho has shooed 16 senior squad members from United since the took over, but only Memphis Depay, who cost Lyon £16 million, and Morgan Schneiderlin, a £22-million buy for Everton in January, generated significant income.

It's likely that Mourinho will request funds in the January transfer window in an effort to stage a late dash for the Premier League title. United is now eight points adrift of leader and local rival Manchester City after losing 1-0 at Chelsea on Sunday.