Why Manchester United should go for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in January

According to a report from the Express, Manchester United were interested in signing Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the summer transfer window.

The Serbian, 24, was touted as a potential replacement for Paul Pogba, who was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. But Manchester United have maintained their stance regarding Pogba and that apparently saw a deal for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic fall through.

After the move to Old Trafford didn’t materialise, Milinkovic-Savic insisted that the story is over and he is fully focused with Lazio this season. But the same cannot be said about Pogba, whose future at Old Trafford looks uncertain.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is still holding out hope to bring the French World Cup winner to Santiago Bernabeu this summer. The Pogba transfer saga has been running all summer, but will come to an end on September 2 when the transfer window across Europe shuts.

Earlier in the summer, Pogba had spoken of his desire for “a new challenge” and further fuelled speculation regarding his future immediately after the opening day 4-0 win against Chelsea a fortnight ago when he claimed there is still a “question mark” over where he will be playing.

However, the Frenchman is unlikely to push for a late move away from United after the departure of Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan on loan, but it is pretty clear his long-term future isn’t at Old Trafford.

Pogba is one of the very few world-class players the United squad boast at the moment and they’ll need someone very special to replace him when he potentially departs next summer. That being said, the Red Devils should reignite their interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and attempt to sign him in January.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a big mistake by not replacing the likes of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini in midfield after their exits from the club this year. A move for Milinkovic-Savic certainly makes sense.

One of the highly-rated midfielders in Europe, Milinkovic-Savic is an all-action midfielder who is a crisp and swift distributor of the ball. He can pick passes before others and likes to drive forward with the ball before releasing a clever through ball or testing the goalkeeper from distance.

Strong in the air and robust in the challenge, the Serbian international is also very good at linking up with teammates in the final third.

Read more Manchester United news, click here – Manchester United latest news

As evidenced from the first three games of the new season, Solskjaer’s side need someone who is capable of unlocking defences with those incisive passes and vision in the final third.

Milinkovic-Savic is certainly one of those players as he can create ample space and opportunities for the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James.

Verdict

United are in dire need of some quality reinforcements in midfield if they are to make it to the top four this season. And Solskjaer should definitely consider breaking the bank for the Lazio midfield ace in January.