The red half of Manchester got off to the best possible start this season. After a busy summer that saw the club spend in excess of £150m, Manchester United currently are sitting pretty in the second position in the league. Although their latest shock defeat to Huddersfield Town put some gap between them and table toppers Manchester City, the result is a one-off and Mourinho’s men are expected to jump right back into winning ways and continue their title charge.
They have played some entertaining, attacking football this season, something the Old Trafford faithful have been craving for since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. It is now being reported that Mourinho is looking to add further depth and strength to his squad and Croatian central defensive midfielder Milan Badelj has emerged as a target for Manchester United.
Mourinho was desperate for a midfield signing in the summer and the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea has calmed down the Portuguese tactician and Badelj may no longer be a priority signing.
Currently, the Red Devils have Matic, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and their French ace Paul Pogba in midfield. It will be difficult for Mourinho to adjust another midfielder into the side. Although Carrick is on his last legs, United have makeshift cover at the middle of the park in the form of Daley Blind and Phil Jones as well.
Badelj was a hot property over summer that saw him being chased by many top European clubs and it is now being reported that although a summer move failed to transpire, clubs are still waiting patiently to come back for the Croatian in January. Such a situation has alerted his current club, Fiorentina to extend the player’s contract and ward off any possible interest.
Badelj, at the age of 28 is at the peak of his career. However, he has gotten off to an average start this season and was sent off against Juventus last month.
The Croatian will no doubt be inspired by national teammates like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic to move to Europe’s biggest clubs. However, his move to Manchester will no doubt see him spending plenty of time on the bench, something he cannot afford to do at this point of his career.
Moreover, in Fiorentina, he has found a steady place in the team and staying put for at least another season might help his case as he will certainly get regular game time there. But do you think a chance to play for United is something he can resist?
