Manchester United may have struggled to keep up in the title race last season but they have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League at the moment. However, Jose Mourinho is desperate to add some quality and depth to his squad and has been looking to add an attacker to his side this summer.
He has been extensively linked with a move for Marko Arnautovic from West Ham United but one more name that has now emerged as a top transfer target for the Red Devils is Mario Mandzukic.
Currently enjoying a superb run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with Croatia, the Juventus striker started his senior career with Marsonia, a club in his home country. He played for clubs like Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid before he joined the Italian giants in 2015.
The Croatian international is one of the most consistent goal scorers in Europe at the moment, having registered at least 10 goals in each of his last seven campaigns, in three different top flight leagues in Europe. He has 53 goals and 21 assists in 110 Bundesliga appearances, 22 goals and 14 assists in 93 Serie A appearances and 12 goals and five assists in just 28 La Liga appearances, to add to 31 goals in 86 international appearances, standing as one of the best strikers in the game.
A target man, with a dominating approach to the game, Mandzukic loves to play on the shoulder of the final defender and is pretty hard to beat in the air. He is a natural finisher and often positions himself in dangerous areas in the final third.
He can hold on to the ball for long periods, can help build up play outside the box, and at 32, he is vastly experienced which will certainly help Manchester United.
The Red Devils are desperate for a striker, who can act as a backup for Romelu Lukaku in the first team. The Belgian is expected to be the first choice next season as well, which will limit United’s chances of landing a top-class striker this summer. However, Mandzukic, who is now in the last few years of his career, should jump at a chance to play for Mourinho and can be a more than a decent backup for Lukaku.
Read More: Real Madrid Plot Audacious Swap Deal To Land Manchester United Star: Good Move For All Parties?
He can also start games when needed and will certainly add goals to this side. Mandzukic is also perfect for Mourinho’s system, so Manchester United should do what it takes to land the Croatian this summer, even if they have to use Juventus’ interest in Matteo Darmian as bait.
