Manchester United are considering a £58 million bid for long sought-after, “incredible” target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio according to Samuel Luckhurst, who also claims the Italian side are seeking a buyer. It is also reported that the midfielder is rated by Erik ten Hag, with the United boss desperate for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
Manchester United Offered Chance to Sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic From Lazio
Manchester United weighing up £57.5m bid for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic | @samuelluckhurst #mufc https://t.co/TWumgzf8yw
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) August 9, 2022
United Have Been Linked With Him for a Number of Years
United have been linked to Milnkovic-Savic in numerous transfer windows, but a deal has never materialised. Now, it’s looking like Erik ten Hag is preparing to push for the 27-year-old in a move to Old Trafford this summer.
The Serbian international is coming off the back of a successful season in Serie A; scoring and assisting a combined 22 goals in 37 matches. He was named Lazio’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive season in 2021/2022.
United Offer Poor Display on First League Game Under Erik Ten Hag
The Reds suffered defeat in their opening fixture of the Premier League 2022/2023 campaign; a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ten Hag’s side offered a lacklustre performance in the manager’s first competitive game in charge and showed worrying signs similar to those of last season when they finished sixth in the league.
A clear area in need of improvement is United’s midfield. They set up with Scott McTominay and Fred in front of the backline, even though the duo have been criticised in recent years for their performances on the pitch.
McTominay was lucky to escape a red card in the first half after a reckless challenge on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, meanwhile, the Seagulls’ two goals were scored in the first 45 minutes as a result of United’s shambolic defending and inability to maintain possession.
An own-goal halfway through the second period gave the Manchester side a lifeline to try and take something from the game, however, they were unable to conjure up any creativity in order to get a United player’s name on the scoresheet. They were consequently met with boos at the full-time whistle.
🚨 JUST IN: #mufc are considering a €68million (£57.5m) bid for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic #mujournal
[@samuelluckhurst] pic.twitter.com/ELOkJHPFTS
— United Journal (@theutdjournal) August 9, 2022
Action on Market Needed if Reds Want to Compete With Top Six
Following the embarrassing display, journalist Samuel Luckhurst reported: “United expect to have more squad reinforcements by the end of the transfer window.”
If the board want to prove to fans they’re backing Ten Hag, making a statement on the transfer market is the way to do it. United oversaw 11 departures following the conclusion of the 2021/2022 campaign and proceeded to bolster their squad with only three signings: Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
A proven and experienced player like Milinkovic-Savic is crucial for this uninspired United team, especially as the new boss continues to implement his playing style into the side.
Given the fact United are playing in the Europa League for the season ahead, it gives them a chance to focus primarily on the Premier League, and aim to get back to the levels and successes witnessed under the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson.
