This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking on talkSPORT, Wes Brown has suggested Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic would be a “great addition” for Manchester United.
What did he say?
The Croatia international has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the upcoming January transfer window, with Sky Sports suggesting that he and Bournemouth marksman Callum Wilson are near the top of the short-list of targets.
And now, Brown has thrown his backing behind a potential move for the 33-year-old, and insisted his physical qualities could bring something different to the current United side.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
He said: “He’s big, strong, can hold the ball up – he’d be a great addition. It would give some of the other lads a rest and give us an option to change tactics a little bit. You want to sign the right player, you don’t just want to buy anyone, you want someone who will fit into Ole’s plans.
“But he’s a quality player, we’ve seen that over the years. If that was to be, I think he’ll be a good addition, although I don’t think it will be long-term.”
Short-term fix
As Brown alludes to, a swoop for Mandzukic would purely be for the short-term. The Croatian is in the twilight years of his career, and he has been completely marginalised at Juventus this season. The veteran has yet to play at all, with him either being on the bench, or just left out of the squad.
Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…
It therefore should prove to be an easy signing to conclude, given his status at the Bianconeri. Following Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez’s departures to Inter in the summer, United’s lack of signings to replace them has proven to be a lightning rod for criticism. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have shown in flashes what they can do, but the number nine burden is a heavy one to shoulder.
Bringing in Mandzukic in January just to ease the pressure off them would be a smart move to make, and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side can think about sealing a deal for more longer-term targets in the summer.
