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Ed Woodward may have secret reason for Man Utd hunting Mario Mandzukic transfer
ED WOODWARD may bolster Manchester United’s attack on deadline day by bringing in Mario Mandzukic. But there’s a reason for that.
Ed Woodward is the safest person at United says expert
Woodward is currently under pressure to deliver some final signings for Manchester United after previous deals for Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire.
And a forward is in his sights with just hours of the transfer window remaining.
Manchester United are trying to snap up Juventus’ Mandzukic in a move that has raised eyebrows. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has so far focused on landing younger players but the Croatia international, at 33, represents a change of tact.
If United don’t get him, they’ll go for Fernando Llorente. Either way, it looks like a veteran is incoming.
But there may be a reason for that.
United, at the start of the summer, wanted Jadon Sancho. The Borussia Dortmund forward was being eyed with Solskjaer enchanted by the idea of bringing him to Old Trafford.
But then came the club’s torrid end to last season.
United had been hopeful of signing Sancho but their failure to finish in the top four ended their hopes of pulling off a transfer.
Things may be different in 12 months time, though.
Solskjaer feels he has enough to get United in the top four, despite their rivals strengthening around them.
In Wan-Bissaka and Maguire, the Red Devils have signed two of the best defenders in the Premier League.
And James, while raw, is expected to be a huge hit at Old Trafford.
Throw in the fact United have Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba (for now) the squad is good enough to secure Champions League football.
And Mandzukic and Llorente would be short-term solutions to help them achieve their goal.
In going for veterans, it gives United time. Time to get back in the top four and into a position where Sancho looks attainable.
If the Red Devils manage to make it, then you can expect them to go for Sancho in 12 months time.
Mandzukic and Llorente would be short-term solutions. That Mandzukic is capable of the flanks is an added bonus.
And that may be why Woodward is trying to sign them, particularly the former. It’s a win-win: they get a serial winner in and it gives them time to plot for the future.
Sancho’s stock is likely to be just as high in a year’s time. So, too, is his price tag…