Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United have almost finalised a deal for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, says Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.
The report claims that United haven’t just come very close to sealing a deal for the Croatian, they have also asked the I Bianconeri about Blaise Matuidi. But Juve are currently keen on handing the Frenchman a new deal soon.
They also state that the Old Lady could look to offer Emre Can to the Old Trafford side. Irrespective of what happens for other players, TMW expect Mandzukic to join United in the upcoming January transfer window.
Frozen out in Turin
Mandzukic is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the bianconeri this season. He has not been included in the club’s Serie A and Champions League squads, while Can has only been excluded from the Champions League list.
Last season, the striker was key for Juve. He scored nine times in the Serie A for the club, assisting six times too. He scored against top sides like AC Milan, Roma, Napoli, Inter and even Atalanta.
The Croatian joined Juve from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2015 for a fee of £13.6 million. Since arriving, the former 2018 FIFA World Cup finalist has appeared in 162 games in all competitions from the Italian Champions. He has scored 44 times, assisting 23 times.
He has won the Scudetto four times in the last four seasons.
TIF Tactics
The Red Devils sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter this past summer and were close to signing Mandzukic too. But the failure to sign a striker and the need for more goals is something Solskjaer has already talked about recently.
Mandzukic is 33 and brings a huge amount of experience to a young side. The fact that he scored against big clubs says a lot about his temperament. United have a young attack due to having players like Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Mason Greenwood.
Mandzukic could be more than just a goalscorer. He could be a leader of forces. And if the chance arrives, Solskjaer should not miss the opportunity to sign him.