Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been in sensational form for Lazio in the last few seasons (Getty Images)
Milinkovic-Savic
Paul Pogba has had a tough time since returning from the 2018 World Cup with France, with critics praising his performances in Russia. Since then things went downhill for the 25-year-old with him and former manager Jose Mourinho getting into a very public rift.
Things have changed since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge as the interim manager. In fact, Manchester United have won their two games since then and Pogba has been one of the standout performers as well. But that does not change the fact that his future continues to remain uncertain (h/t Sky Sports).
With Juventus set to offer him a way out next summer, Manchester United will have to spend heavily to replace him with only a few players in the world good enough to replace the French World Cup winner.
But one man who can do that is Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serbian international enjoyed a breakout season the last term. With a hand in 15 goals n just the Serie A alone, the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old over the summer but nothing ever materialized. Suffice to say, his €100 million price tag put off most of his suitors.
And it looks like it was the right move. The Serbian international has struggled to replicate his form for Lazio, despite making 15 appearances this season. However, now with the club reducing the transfer fee to around €70 million, it looks like United could be back in the race for Milinkovic-Savic.
However, the question for Ed Woodward and the Manchester United board to ponder is, can he successfully replace Paul Pogba and adjust to the intense Premier League? That’s a question that can’t be answered just like that, especially given the current state of the Red Devils. But with Pogba’s future in flux, Milinkovic-Savic is among the few players in the world who would be a like-for-like replacement for the 25-year-old.
His physicality combined with his defensive acumen makes him a brilliant target. His skills and attacking prowess certainly makes him a solid player to keep an eye on but with Inter Milan and AC Milan also in the race for the 23-year-old, United need to act fast.
If they fail in their efforts to land Milinkovic-Savic, they need to somehow get the best out of Paul Pogba this season and then convince him to stay put at Old Trafford and forget about moving elsewhere.
