The Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have been delighted with the performances of Nemanja Matic since he arrived at the club, and recent reports have given them reason to suggest another Serbian midfielder could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer.
Nemanja Matic has slotted into United’s anchor role with ease this season and rapidly become an integral part of Mourinho’s system. Matic’s intelligent positioning sense and ability to read the game have proven to be invaluable for the club, but Paul Pogba has struggled to achieve the same level of consistency alongside him.
However, recent reports from Mundo Deportivo suggest that Pogba may be given license to move forward next season as Barcelona have decided against making a move for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (valued at £63 million by Transfermarkt), thus paving the way for the Red Devils to secure the signature of one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.
The 23-year-old Serbian midfielder has been instrumental to Lazio’s impressive form this season which has put them in pole position to qualify for the Champions League. The Italian club will undoubtedly be reluctant to let him go, but United have both the reputation and the financial power to prise him away from the Stadio Olimpico during the summer window.
Matic’s compatriot is physically imposing, but surprisingly elegant and twinkle-toed with the ball at his feet considering he is 6ft 3in tall and well-built. Milinkovic-Savic’s technical ability combined with his physicality enable him to operate in a variety of midfield roles, so Mourinho should deploy him in a role next to Matic in order to free Pogba of the defensive manacles which are tarnishing his development.
The fact that Milinkovic-Savic has scored 11 goals in Serie A this season proves that Mourinho should allow him to move forward at the right moments and leave Matic to protect the back-four. If the right balance between defence and attack can be achieved, the Serbian pairing could form one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in European football next season.
Manchester United fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
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