According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Juventus attacker Mario Mandzukic, rated at £18m by Transfermarkt, rejected the chance to join Manchester United this summer.
What’s the story?
It is stated in the aforementioned report that United boss Jose Mourinho offered to improve the Croatian’s salary in order to bring him to Old Trafford. However, Juve boss Max Allegri reassured Mandzukic that he remains a key part of his plans in Turin, which convinced the 32-year-old to stay put.
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Mandzukic was impressive during this summer’s World Cup tournament in Russia, as he led the line for the Croatia side that reached the competition’s final for the first time in the nation’s history.
He will now be looking to carry his good form into the new Serie A campaign as Juve chase their eighth consecutive domestic league crown.
It is easy to see why Mourinho was so keen to bring the 6ft 3in forward to England. The Red Devils were not able to get the deal over the line though, and they may soon come to regret not having done more to make the ex-Bayern Munich man a Premier League player this summer.
No Mario in Manchester
Whilst Mourinho has a very strong roster of attacking options to call upon at United, his forward contingent lacks elite level experience. None of Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford have ever played in a Champions League final. Mandzukic, on the other hand, was part of the Bayern Munich side that won Europe’s top prize in 2013.
Having that experience of winning the biggest trophies within a squad can be a huge benefit and can help instil the winning spirit needed in champions.
Beyond the dressing room, Mandzukic could have an impact on the pitch too. In the event of an injury or suspension to Lukaku, Mandzukic could take the Belgian’s place and take up the target man mantle, meaning that United wouldn’t have to change their style of play.
Should United fall short of silverware this season, the lack of an individual with the kind of authority and versatility possessed by Mandzukic could be partly to blame.