United saw their Premier League title hopes extinguished before Christmas as Pep Guardiola’s City streaked ahead at the top of the table.

They’d been dumped out of the EFL Cup by that stage too and their recent Champions League elimination means the FA Cup is now their only chance of winning a trophy this season.

Express Sport understands Jose Mourinho is planning a clear-out at Old Trafford which could see as many as eight players shown the door.

The latest reports suggest the United gaffer already has four big-name signings in mind as the next transfer window approaches.

According to Libero, City’s Premier League dominance and Manchester United’s Champions League exit has got Mourinho planning for next season.

And PSG midfielder Marco Verrartti is apparently top of the Portuguese’s list of transfer targets.

Mourinho will not stop there as he looks to strengthen United in the middle of the park, with Real’s Toni Kroos in his sights too.

Mourinho is also planning to tie up deals for defensive recruits when the summer rolls around.

Jose Mourinho Manchester United Tottenham Premier League GETTY

Jose Mourinho wants to sign Marco Verratti, Toni Kroos, Samuel Umtiti and Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld Tottenham Borussia Dortmund Champions League GETTY

Jose Mourinho is eager to prise Toby Alderweireld away from Manchester United's rivals Tottenham

And Barcelona ace Samuel Umtiti is among the quartet of high-profile signings that he’s hoping to make.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld could form a new-look centre-back pairing with Umtiti if Mourinho gets his way.

United have eight Premier League games to go before the 2017/18 campaign draws to a close.

And a trip to the Etihad to take on City is on the cards on Saturday April 7.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants FOUR big-name signings to compete with Man City

JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly eager for Manchester United to raid Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham as they look to close the gap on Manchester City.