Manchester United are thinking beyond tactics here…
It’s the 26th of August, 2019. Romelu Lukaku has just played his debut for Inter Milan against Lecce and he’s scored. The Inter Milan fans are hopeful for a bright future, whereas Manchester United fans are wondering whether they didn’t appreciate what they had.
Fast forward to a few months later and the nothing has changed. Lukaku’s new side Inter Milan sit top of Serie second in Serie A, just one point behind Juventus having only lost one of their opening seven games. Manchester United, on the other hand, have won only two games in the Premier League and they sit two points above the relegation zone.
So, what has been the fatal flaw in Manchester United’s season? Is it their defence, their attack, their manager? Well, the truth is, there are a lot of factors that have played a part in their downfall this season. However, their inability to replace Romelu Lukaku in the transfer window did nothing to help.
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Now the board are panicking and rightly so. Their options in the attack are very limited and they have not been helped by injuries either. The likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford just aren’t at the calibre needed to carry the club forward, they need a big name in the front line.
If reports from The Mirror are to be believed, then Manchester United fans are in luck. The English outlet states a verbal agreement has been reached with Mario Mandzukic to join in the new year. The 33-year-old will look to get his first taste of English football after conquering the German and Italian leagues.
Now now, I know what you’re thinking. Mandzukic is not a long-term option; obviously, in football terms, 33 years old is pushing it. However, there are still a few years left in the striker and he will look to use all the experience he can at Old Trafford.
Let’s not forget that the Croatia international has played in an abundance of big games, including a World Cup and Champions League final, both of which he scored impressive goals in. He has won the Champions League with Bayern Munich and the last four Serie A titles with Juventus. That’s some trophy cabinet.
There was real hope surrounding Manchester United when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was involved. This is because of one reason and one reason only: the experience he held. The younger players around him benefited from his teachings and it showed when United won the treble that year. Okay, it wasn’t the best treble in the world but you get my drift.
Mandzukic needs to do the same. He is an icon of the game and the likes of Rashford need to look up to him. It’s time for him to stop playing like he’s in a Nike commercial and replicate someone who has actually reached the top of his game.
I believe Manduzkic’s arrival will only bring positive things to Old Trafford. He is not the answer to all of Manchester United’s problems but his experience will certainly help. Besides, he is a target man, and those guys tend to annoy goalkeepers for years.
Do you think Mario Mandzukic is what Manchester United need?