Mesut Ozil to Manchester United… Jose Mourinho got the best out of the German World Cup winner at Real Madrid but the Arsenal star wouldn't walk into the Red Devils XI now

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Jose Mourinho got the best out of Mesut Ozil at the Bernabeu.

It was in 2011-12 when together they wrestled the title from Barcelona as the German World Cup winner topped La Liga's assist table with 17.

Back then, at the height of his powers, Ozil would have walked into any Premier League team. That isn't the case now.

Jose Mourinho got the best out of Mesut Ozil during his spell as Real Madrid manager

In the 2011-12 season, the German World Cup winner topped La Liga's assist table with 17

But he is currently creating the fewest chances per game of his career, having suffered a dip

Ozil is currently creating the fewest chances per game of his career, having suffered a dip in form this season. Confidence is low and his future unclear.

His four years in north London have led to three FA Cups and a so-close-yet-so-far award for finishing second in the top flight in 2015-16. With his contract expiring at the end of this season, and no sign of an agreement over an extension, Ozil has options to consider.

One of those is a reunion with his former Real Madrid manager. Mourinho is said to be keen on bringing Ozil to Manchester United as his new No 10 – and vice versa.

Even with wages of £300,000 per week, United's purse strings wouldn't take too much of a pulling because he can be signed for nothing next summer.

Yet it remains to be seen whether such a transfer would be worthwhile.

But would Ozil to United be a sensible transfer? Or would it simply be a luxury purchase?

Mourinho has a wealth of options in the No 10 role, including Juan Mata and Henrik Mkhitaryan

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has not been convinced that Ozil is an automatic pick anymore

Would Ozil automatically get into United's line-up, no questions asked? Is he still one of the first names on the team sheet? Or simply a luxury?

The very fact there is a debate between United fans over whether they would prefer him, Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Juan Mata at No 10 tells us he would have to fight for a place.

In fact, one poll on social media with more than 4,000 votes on Friday saw 39 per cent of supporters opt for Mkhitaryan, 37 per cent for Mata, and 24 per cent for Ozil.

Arsene Wenger himself has not appeared overly convinced that his old club record £42.5million signing is an automatic pick anymore.

At United, with the likes Marcus Rashford on the flank, Ozil and Romelu Lukaku could click

Mourinho has used several No 10s in his time at Old Trafford and could crave Ozil's creativity

Ozil was left on the substitutes' bench at Watford, with Wenger preferring to start hard workers Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi for the Premier League tie. Injuries haven't helped but there remain question marks over how serious of a role he will play as he runs down the remainder of his contract.

At Old Trafford, with the likes of Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford on either side, he and Romelu Lukaku could click, or it could go down like a lead balloon.

Mourinho has used several No 10s in his time at Old Trafford - from Wayne Rooney to Paul Pogba, to Mkhitaryan to Mata - and could simply crave a creative option in Ozil.

The Portuguese will know more than most the moments of magic that he can deliver on his day, despite his mixed fortunes in the Premier League.

After four years in England, there is still a question over his ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and, as always, whether he works hard enough.

This season has seen Mkhitaryan average 11.5km per 90 minutes while Mata is averaging 11.6km. Ozil, meanwhile, is averaging 11km.

The German remembers a half-time rant from his former boss which has stayed with him since

In his autobiography Gunning for Greatness, the prologue is titled 'The Most Important Bollocking Of My Life' and is all about Mourinho.

'You think two passes are enough,' Mourinho screamed at him during half-time of Madrid's win over Deportivo La Coruna in 2012, according to Ozil.

'You're too refined to go in for the tackle. You think you're so good that 50 per cent is enough.

'I want you to go into tackles like a man. Do you know what it looks like when you tackle? No? Let me show you.' Mourinho proceeded to stand on his tiptoes, purse his lips and prance.

It was tough love but it stuck with Ozil, so much so that he used it to open his book. More of those conversations could be had if the two team up at United once more.