Manchester United have turned into a busy club this January transfer window as Jose Mourinho seems convinced that his side needs a couple of additions before the end of the month, to have a shot at a trophy this season and to cement a place in the top-4.
This has seen the club linked with some of the finest stars in world football and one name that is exciting many United fans is Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic.
Manchester United Join Kovacic Race:
According to reports, Mateo Kovacic is unsettled at Bernabeu, thanks to lack of regular game time under Zinedine Zidane and could be ready to switch clubs this January. His former club Inter Milan are desperate to bring him back to San Siro but Manchester United are ready to meet his valuation.
Mourinho is reportedly convinced that the lure of regular game time at Old Trafford could be enough to land the Croatian midfielder but what will he bring to Manchester?
Kovacic And His Attributes:
Having moved to Italy back in 2013 from Dinamo Zagreb, his childhood club, Kovacic spent over two successful years in Italy, before he was snapped up by European champions Real Madrid, back in 2015. However, he is yet to cement his place in the first team, making just 58 La Liga appearances, including just a single start in the domestic league this season.
However, he is the first choice midfielder for the Croatian national side, making 38 appearances since his debut back in 2013. A gifted midfielder, with great vision and a smart head on his shoulders, Kovacic is at his best wriggling out of danger in close quarters, inside his own half.
His technique allows him to create chances from a deep-lying role but he is also adept at breaking down defences with short passes. He is solid with his hold up play in the middle of the park but what makes him dangerous is his understanding of the game. He often seems to be ahead of his opponents, winning the ball back quickly, and setting his team up for counter-attacks.
He is mesmerizing with his turns and hard to mark in the midfield and will be a great addition for even the best teams in the world.
Chance At Manchester United:
The report from France claims that Manchester United want Kovacic as a long-term replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick. The English international has decided to hang up his boots at the end of the season and join the coaching staff at Old Trafford. Kovacic is a more than capable replacement for the 36-year old.
At just 23, the Croatian is one of the best midfielders in the game at the moment and may even dislodge Nemanja Matic in the first team at Old Trafford.
Mourinho will have his own plans for Kovacic but do you think he is the right man for the Red Devils?