Lazio midfielder and Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has yet to make a decision on his future after Serbia were eliminated from the World Cup. Serbia, needing a win against Brazil to progress to the knockout stages were beaten 0-2 in Russia last night, after goals by Paulinho and Thiago Silva sealed Tite’s side’s progress.
Milinkovic-Savic’s name has been constantly dropped during the World Cup, and the Lazio man has been linked with moves for United, Real Madrid and Juventus so far this summer. From United’s perspective, it was a link that certainly made sense, given that the club have been looking to strengthen their midfield after the retirement of Michael Carrick and the expected departure of Marouane Fellaini. After several weeks of speculation, the player has spoken out with Serbia’s exit from the tournament now confirmed.
“I need a little bit of rest now,” said Milinkovic-Savic to Italian broadcaster Mediaset in quotes carried by TalkSport. “I’ll return to Rome (after the World Cup) and I would be happy if I stay at Lazio, as I’m content there and I have a contract. I read something different in the papers every day, but I haven’t thought about it yet. First I’ll rest for a bit, then we’ll see.”
In all honesty, it’s unlikely that Milinkovic-Savic will make his way to Old Trafford this summer. The transfer of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk has given Jose Mourinho a much-needed injection of energy in central midfield, and with Fellaini making a surprising u-turn and now widely being expected to sign another two-year deal in the next week, the United manager now has healthy numbers in midfield with which to choose from. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred and Fellaini will be late back to the club for pre-season, but Scott McTominay and Ander Herrera will take part in United’s tour of the United States next month.
