Manchester United boss Mourinho saw his side stunned by Liverpool on a chastening afternoon at Anfield on Sunday.
The Red Devils appeared on course for a point after Jesse Lingard had cancelled out Sadio Mane’s pinpoint volley.
However, Manchester United were blown away in the closing stages with Shaqiri scoring twice to give Liverpool another three points – and fire them back to the top of the Premier League table in the process.
And the Manchester Evening News say Mourinho was keen to sign the Switzerland international back in the summer.
Shaqiri signed for Liverpool from Stoke in a bargain £12million transfer deal.
But Mourinho, it is claimed, had gushed over the player to close confidants prior to his move.
And the MEN say Zaha was behind the United boss’ thinking.
The Ivory Coast international was the last ring winger to sign for the club, way back in 2013.
It did not work out for him at Old Trafford, though, with the forward leaving two years later.
Mourinho wanted to provide his squad with balance and saw Shaqiri as the ideal fit.
But, ultimately, he went to Liverpool instead.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has lauded Shaqiri after his heroics against United at the weekend.
“Jurgen Klopp knew exactly what he was getting when he picked up Xherdan Shaqiri for a bargain £13million: a match-winner who can supply moments of pure genius,” Redknapp wrote for the Daily Mail.
“Klopp is the kind of manager who focuses on what his stars can do rather than what they cannot.
“The German is the perfect boss for this maverick player.”
Liverpool are next in action against Wolves on Friday (8pm).
United, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back when they face Cardiff City on Saturday (5.30pm).