Aheed Abrar
Manchester United ‘earmarked’ Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic before red card debacle
Manchester United had ‘earmarked’ Aleksandar Mitrovic, who plays for Premier League rivals Fulham, before his red card debacle in the FA Cup, according to the Daily Star.
The Red Devils took on the cottages in the quarter-finals of the domestic cup competition. In the second half, the Serbia international gave Marco Silva’s team the lead. However, things fell apart for them soon after.
Jadon Sancho’s shot in around the 70th-minute mark was blocked by Willian on the goal line. Subsequently, after a VAR check, the Brazilian was sent off.
In the heat of the moment, Mitrovic shoved referee Chris Kavanagh, leading to his dismissal as well. A 10-game ban could be the likely punishment handed down to the striker, who started for his national side in their 2-0 win over Lithuania in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Mitrovic is a potential target for United ahead of the upcoming transfer window. However, it remains to be seen whether the red card will change the Red Devils’ stance on pursuing him.
Apart from the Old Trafford side, other top teams are also following the 28-year-old’s development. In the English top flight, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing him, while Spanish giants Barcelona also have the striker on their radar.
The Serbian has shone at Fulham this season. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Craven Cottage side, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists. He has been a feisty presence on the field at times, with a habit of confronting opponents and arguing with referees. That could be a tricky personality to have.
But we arguably already have a similar player in that regard in Bruno Fernandes, and things seem to be going pretty well there. As long as the player can show his quality on the pitch, a little bit of edge in his personality doesn’t hurt too much.
Erik ten Hag only has Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst at his disposal for the number nine position as of now. The French national has been marred by injuries in the current campaign, while the Burnley loanee is at the club only until the end of the term.
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Thus, a lack of depth is evidently an issue for United in the attack. A robust and clinical striker like Mitrovic seems like a decent backup option for the Old Trafford side to have.
