Nikola Milenkovic to United: Manchester United are weighing in on a defensive signing in January, if recent activities within the club are anything to go by.
Manchester United have been facing issues in their defence for a few seasons. This season, however, the problems have been bigger, which is evident from the fact that they are the only club in the Premier League top-10 to have a negative goal difference.
Eric Bailly faced a slump in his form early into the season, and Mourinho was forced to play Scott McTominay in central defence for a few games. The current centre-back pairing, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof have been decent, but far from the level needed to finish in the top-6.
It was reported last week that Jose Mourinho is set to sell two central defenders of the club to make space for a defensive signing. The Portuguese manager was spotted in the game between Belgium and Iceland, and various speculations over January prospects were made.
Guardian now reports that Manchester United have taken yet another step to solve their defensive issues.
Nikola Milenkovic to United:
According to the English media outlet, Manchester United will send scouts to watch Nikola Milenkovic. The Serbian defender will be in action for Serie A side Fiorentina, as they play against Bologna.
Mourinho is interested in signing Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina) in January or in June. If a deal falls through, #mufc could go for Joachim Andersen (Sampdoria) #mulive [sky italia]
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 21, 2018
The report also states that Milenkovic was scouted by Italian champions Juventus last season and Atletico Madrid made a failed bid for the player this summer.
Nikola Milenković, 1997, ACF Fiorentina & Serbia national football team
As at home at right-back as he is in the heart of defence, versatile Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic is believed to have an admirer in the Portuguese, pic.twitter.com/pKU2rutVPQ— Marshal (@ftbl_ecb) November 21, 2018
Milenkovic was the part of Serbia’s World Cup squad and started in all of their three games in Russia. This season, the defender hasn’t missed a single minute for Fiorentina in the Serie A, and also scored two goals.
I’ve gone off the idea of signing a big name CB due to the performances of Tuanzebe and Lindelof in recent weeks/months.
A tall, young centre back who’s composed on the ball who wouldn’t be out of place on the bench is the option I’d take.
🇷🇸Nikola Milenkovic stands out. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/VUNG2eRRHY
— ☈🇾🇪 (@UtdRobbo) November 18, 2018
Manchester United were linked with a move for Milenkovic in the summer as well, but no substantial bid was made for the player.
Manchester United are sending a scout to watch Fiorentina’s Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic, 21, play against Bologna on Sunday#SportsThisMorning
— MR cosmos (@Mrcosmos13) November 23, 2018
What next?
Manchester United will return to Premier League this weekend as they take on Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Mourinho’s side will host Young Boys on Tuesday in a bid to strengthen their bid for a round-of-16 berth in the Champions League.
