According to a recent report by the Sun, Manchester United have received a considerable boost in pursuit of Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.
The same source has revealed that the Croatia international is willing to take a pay cut to seal a move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window. It is believed that the Serie A centre-forward is eager to join the Red Devils and is ready to slash his £300,000-a-week wage demands in half (via the Sun).
Manzukic’s Fall From Grace At Turin
The Juve frontman is yet to make an appearance in the Italian top-flight this season. However, Mandzukic was an integral member of Maximiliano Allegri’s Juventus side in the previous campaign when he found the back of the net on ten occasions and provided seven assists in 33 matches for the Italian outfit on all fronts.
The 33-year-old also has a wealth of experience while playing for Croatia and was a vital player behind their incredible run to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The former Dinamo Zagreb talent has earned 89 international caps for his homeland and has scored 33 goals in the process.
What Will The Croatian Striker Add To Solskjaer’s Side?
Mandzukic is an offensive powerhouse as he possesses remarkable strength which helps him be dominant in the air when he is leading the line. He can hold the ball up and can interchange passes well with others around him. The Croatian forward is also a brilliant header of the ball and can be an ideal target man for any team.
However, he is slowing down with each season as his time as a player is nearing its end. Hence, one can argue whether he will be able to adapt to the high intensity of Premier League football this late in his career. Now that the 33-year-old is willing to take a significant pay cut, it means that he is prepared to earn less to get a chance to prove his worth at Old Trafford.
The addition of an experienced and proven goal-scorer like Mandzukic will undeniably improve Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attacking options at the Theatre of Dreams. The 2018 World Cup finalist will add a lot of goals to the Man United frontline. However, he won’t be a long-term solution to Solskjaer’s problems in the striking department.
