Jose Mourinho is ready to raid one of his former clubs this summer to add to his midfield at the Old Trafford. According to reports from CalcioMercato today, Inter Milan are ready to let Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic leave if his release clause of £43m is met in the summer and Manchester United are one of the clubs who are planning to do so.
The Portuguese manager wanted the midfield when he was at Dinamo Zagreb a few years ago and it is understood that he was present in Croatia’s recent game in the international break, to scout for Brozovic. But is he a good option for the Red Devils this summer?
Mourinho has used the likes of Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera along with Marouane Fellaini this season to partner Paul Pogba in the midfield. Though Herrera has been decent, he has had some problems with his discipline and it is hard to see Mourinho stick with him in the first team next season.
He has been looking to add some star players to his squad including the likes of AS Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko and PSG’s Marco Verratti, both of who are expensive options. So Brozovic could be a decent option in more than one way.
At just 24, the Croatian international has more than 60 Serie A appearances and more than 20 international appearances for the senior national side and stands as an experienced midfielder for his age. He has five goals and three assists to his name this season but he is also capable of playing a much deeper role, which is what will attract Mourinho.
Paul Pogba is expected to play in a free-flowing role that puts pressure on his midfield partners and Brozovic is one of the few players available in the transfer market this summer that can handle the pressure. Known for his exceptional vision and passing abilities, Brozovic is a capable midfielder in front of goal but he is also disciplined in his defensive duties.
Versatile and capable of playing in a variety of roles, Brozovic could act as part of a three-man midfield for Manchester United, probably playing on the right-hand side of the midfield three, helping add more quality to the middle of the park.
Though capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, he is far from a player who can hold that role in an intense league like in England and if Mourinho wants a CDM, Brozovic is not his man. He is not the strongest in the air and is also a bit lethargic in his tackles and United cannot depend on him to provide cover for the back 4. Brozovic can, however, help Pogba out with his defensive duties but he is at his best turning defence into attack and Manchester United need to use him accordingly.
With no real CDM currently at the club, Mourinho will have to spend on one this summer but at around £43m, Brozovic is an upgrade over Fellaini and Carrick in the current squad and his versatility can help the squad in more ways than one next season. Do you think Manchester United should move in for the Croatian midfielder this summer?
