Known for the discipline and the way Mourinho sets his team up, goals have been hard to come by for those facing the Red Devils. However, a rather defensive approach has not guaranteed a flurry of goals for the men in red despite having spent lavishly for their attackers. With the team around them sure to strengthen their squads, added ammunition up top should be the top priority for the Portuguese.
Manchester United have joined the race among the heavyweights of Manchester City and Real Madrid to sign Lazio’s hit-man Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian has had a stellar season for the Le Aquile, helping them in what could result in Champions League Qualification.
How has he fared so far?
The 22-year-old has 11 goals to go with his 3 assists this campaign, standing eighth in the golden boot chart; an impressive number for a midfielder. He averages 2.5 shots per game evident in stating his desire to score goals from range.
The youngsters’ attacking abilities are not the only eye-catching prospects. His contribution to the defensive side of the game is quite impressive as well. Averaging 1.9 tackles and 1.0 interception per game, he could be the type of player Mourinho desires.
Much needed freshness to the dull midfield?
United have been criticised for their lack of creativity among their ball players. The big money signing of Pogba was made in an attempt to solve their midfield crisis. While he has done quite well upon his return to Old Trafford, the process has been relatively slow paced.
With Michael Carrick set to hang his boots at the end of this campaign, a midfield pairing with his compatriot Nemanja Matić could prove to be influential.
However, the Serbian’s arrival would spur an interesting debate regarding United’s set up. Having deployed a two-man midfield for a major part of the season, it remains to be seen whether a shuffle takes place in order to accommodate another central midfielder. Indeed a triplet at the spine of the team could provide Pogba more freedom to attack, something that has not been provided by Mourinho yet. Alternatively, a four-man diamond midfield could accommodate both Pogba and Milinkovic-Savic in the more attacking areas with a strike force pairing of Sanchez and Lukaku.
Should Mourinho make him a priority?
He certainly looks like a player that could suit the Portuguese’s system at Old Trafford. But this bit of business does not come cheap by any means. The Roman-based outfit value him at £100million; a fee that looks a little too extravagant for a player yet to make a huge mark. Albeit, United do have the resources to shell out the three-digit figure if they are very keen on the youngster.
Will he be a hit at Old Trafford?
