Why Manchester United should sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to bolster their midfield options
According to Foot Mercato (h/t Evening Standard), Manchester United have targeted Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to replace Real Madrid-bound Paul Pogba in the summer.
Milinkovic-Savic, 25, has established himself as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe after impressing with Lazio for the past few years (h/t Evening Standard). He has gone from strength to strength with every passing season, controlling Lazio’s midfield in the race for the Serie A title this time around.
He has been eyed by several clubs in the past and could be on the move to the Premier League with Manchester United having a long-term interest in him, as per the report.
Though United’s game has elevated in the past few months, they have been inconsistent for the best part of the 2019/20 campaign. Only after Bruno Fernandes arrived, have they been able to dominate in the midfield.
Fred and Scott McTominay are the other two players, whose performances have elevated this term after struggling under Jose Mourinho previously. Serbian ace Nemanja Matic, who was brilliant in the first few seasons at Old Trafford, and has turned things around of late after a decline in form, has just one more year left on his contract with the Red Devils (h/t BBC Sport).
However, United’s biggest loss could come in the form of star player Paul Pogba’s departure. The Frenchman has been long linked with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. His exit would leave a huge void in United’s midfield ranks. Thus, bringing in an established midfielder would do good for the manager.
In that regard, Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would be a viable option for United as he has been at his best for the last few years.
Despite being a midfielder, the Serbian international finished as the second-highest scorer for Lazio at the end of the 2017/18 season and has continued his goalscoring form into the next two campaigns. He would be able to provide goals from midfield for the Red Devils, something which Fred has failed to do in a long while.
Milinkovic-Savic has made 234 career appearances and his experience would be a huge boost to Solskjaer’s squad. Given his qualities and the form that he has shown in the past few seasons, the Serb has the capability to form a formidable partnership with Fred and McTominay in United’s midfield to power them to success.
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Verdict
With United in short of depth in the middle of the park, the manager should look to sign a central midfielder in the summer and Milinkovic-Savic would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils. He can also provide them with much-needed extra goals from midfield. Thus, United should attempt to lure the Serbian to Old Trafford in the summer.
