Italian news outlet, Il Bianconero reports that Manchester United’s £80m bid has been rejected by SSC Lazio for Sergej Milinković-Savić. An improved bid was made for £91m with a 10% sell on clause but the Serie A outfit deemed that to be undesirable as well.
The accuracy of the reports can certainly be questioned but United’s intentions to sign the 21-year-old is not. It was earlier reported that Jose Mourinho was planning to offload Paul Pogba and a few of his current players to make way for signings much better suited to his needs.
Pogba himself has also been intending for a move back to Juventus where he enjoyed some of his best years as a senior professional, much different to the reception he has received at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils finished 19 points behind Manchester City in the title race last season and also lost out to Chelsea in the FA Cup finals. Mourinho has failed to deliver a single trophy and has been exposed on plenty of occasions last term.
The Portuguese tactician needs to address a few key issues at the club if he plans on seeing out his contract, the biggest ones being the defence and the midfield.
Even with Pogba in the side, Mourinho has not been able to fully implement his style of football. The former Galactico boss relies on a solid defensive structure along with a counter-attacking squad. Pogba is their best creative head but somehow is not disciplined enough at the back.
January arrival Alexis Sanchez has also been a bust for the Red Devils and often has been involved in unnecessary holdup play rather than initiating or executing the team’s offence.
Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera have adequate firepower between themselves to fulfil every single central role but then again is not well rounded as Savic.
Since Marouane Fellaini has not extended his services, Savic could fill in as the perfect starting option. The 21-year-old commands the midfield with his giant 6 feet 3 inches structure. The towering figure has astute technical abilities and is an enforcer in midfield.
He links up remarkably well with his teammates while also keeping an eye on his side’s defence. The 2-time Serbia international can almost be compared to the likes of Yaya Toure and Steven Nzonzi, still in the midst of early development.
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He could flourish in the United system but only if given the opportunity to do so. Maybe Mourinho should go all in for him if Pogba quits the side this summer.
