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Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho heaps praise on Croatia World Cup hero Ivan Perisic
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has spoken out about former transfer target Ivan Perisic.
The Croatian winger broke English hearts on Wednesday evening as he netted a second-half equaliser in the World Cup semi-final.
Perisic and his country went on to win the tie 2-1 after extra time, booking their place in Sunday's final against France.
The Inter Milan star was heavily linked with a switch to United last summer before Mourinho turned his interest elsewhere.
But the Portuguese boss heaped praise on Perisic while undertaking some punditry work earlier this week.
“Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others," he told Russia Today.
But he is also physical, very physical. Fantastic in the air.
“Normally you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative.
"But he is also physical, very physical. Fantastic in the air.
“So the way he wins that ball in the air [for Mandzukic’s goal] and puts the ball into that space is only possible if you are very, very physical and dominant over defenders.
“So he was amazing by going there and winning that ball in the air.”
United have not been linked with a move for the 29-year-old in recent weeks.
Steve Nicol: Inter Milan under no obligation to sell Perisic
However, Mourinho may be eyeing another swoop for Perisic after his impressive World Cup showing this summer.
Inter Milan demanded around £48m for the attacker last summer.
United have already signed Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant this summer.