Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic heads the ball away. (Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in dire need of overhauling the squad in the summer in order to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The Norwegian, 46, was initially appointed in December, taking charge after a horrendous start to the season under Jose Mourinho, and though the club went on an impressive winning run that earned him a three-and-a-half year contract in March, the players’ form dramatically tailed off towards the end of the season.
Thus, the summer transfer window is very crucial for Manchester United, who finished a disappointing sixth with a defeat in the final game against a relegated Cardiff City side this past season.
Solskjaer’s desire to bring in reinforcements quickly is a strong indication that the club are looking to draw a line under the past, with the Norwegian keen to integrate new recruits into pre-season training right from the off.
The Red Devils have had a weak defence, conceding more than 50 goals in the Premier League last season. They lack a top-class figure at the heart of the defence which makes the urgency to buy a new centre-back clearly evident at Old Trafford.
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been dedicated servants for the club, but they are far off from helping United to regain their lost glory. Victor Lindelof has shown he could be a fantastic player, but he needs an able partner if United are to build a solid defence.
Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic could be the ideal choice. He has shown that he has the potential to be the best in the business in the next few years and keeping that in mind, United must go all out to sign the Serbian.
Nikola Milenkovic, 21, joined Fiorentina from Partizan Belgrade in 2017 and has been a first-team regular for two seasons. He played 33 Serie A matches this past campaign and enjoys a growing reputation in Italy as a solid defender, catching the attention of Manchester United.
With his clean and composed nature of play, the 12-cap Serbian international would form an impeccable partnership with Lindelof in central defence.
The 21-year-old is a rock-solid defender but it is his maturity and leadership skills that set him apart from other defenders of his age group. His ability to be very good on the ball has allowed him to be a very reliable player at right-back as well.
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Milenkovic isn’t ferocious tackler but relies on his reading and when that ability is coupled with his physicality, composure on the ball and anticipation, it makes him the defender that United are after.
Thus by signing Milenkovic, United could well take a big step in their bid to build a squad capable of competing for league titles again.