Jose Mourinho is taking on an unfamiliar role during this summer's World Cup.

While rumours of Manchester United's transfer business continue to emerge from the rumour mill, Mourinho is focusing his footballing knowledge on television.

Over the course of the tournament, the Portuguese will be offering his expert opinion on Russia Today.

It will be intriguing to see what the United boss has to offer as a pundit over the coming days, analysing alongside fellow experts such as Peter Schmeichel.

And of course, his opinions have already started to filter through with the beginning of the tournament.

Mourinho working as a pundit this summer

Hosts Russia kicked off the competition in style against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, causing a shock by running away comfortable 5-0 victors.

Although Saudi Arabia were never fancied to take the victory in Moscow, it was a surprisingly convincing win for a Russian side embroiled in such terrible form.

There were plenty of positives from the performance, too, and Mourinho picked up on them also.

Mourinho had praise for Golovin

And some of his compliments were very interestingly placed when you consider one of United's reported transfer targets was on the pitch.

They weren't just any target, either, with Mourinho believed to have scouted him with his attendance of Russia vs Austria earlier this month.

The man in question is Aleksandr Golovin and he even treated Mourinho to a goal, scoring a brilliant free-kick for Russia's fifth of the game.

Mourinho noted after the game: "The manager changed the team in relation to the match I watched in Austria. He played with a back four, which is normal against a team like Saudi.

"I think Alan Dzagoev was playing quite well but when he came out, the fact that Golovin could go to a more central position, I think it helped the team.

"The team became better. Golovin is a playmaker, he’s a player that gives the dynamic of the team."

Nothing to get Golovin too excited just yet, but undoubtedly high praise from Mourinho nonetheless.

And whether or not Mourinho was actually scouting the Russian, he will now have formed a pretty solid opinion after seeing him live twice in quick succession.

If United want to proceed with a move, though, they could face competition.

Juventus are also in the running for his signature and Golovin was asked about the Old Lady's interest after the game.

Golovin remarked: "For now I want to focus on the World Cup and Russia. I am honoured and pleased by interest from Juventus, but I want to have a great World Cup."

Do you think Golovin would be a good signing for United? Have your say in the comments section below.