Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd-linked Sergej Milinkovic-Savic raises eyebrows by revealing admiration for Reds Devils man, Liverpool ace

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio

Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, thought to be a target for Manchester United, has spoken about Premier League stars Paul Pogba and Thiago.

The central midfielder is enjoying an excellent campaign, having registered 10 goals and 12 assists in 45 matches so far. His great form in Serie A has led to rumours that a Manchester United move could beckon this summer.

Incoming manager Erik ten Hag could do with bringing a new midfielder to Old Trafford as Paul Pogba is on the verge of leaving.

Indeed, Pogba’s new agent, Rafaela Pimenta, will reportedly meet with Juventus officials on Monday lunchtime to discuss a return to Turin.

Milinkovic-Savic will cost a big fee, given the fact Lazio don’t want to see the back of him. But capturing the Serbia international could be a real signal of intent from Manchester United.

During an interview with DAZN, Milinkovic-Savic was asked if this is the best season his career, among other questions.

On the first topic, he replied (via Football Italia): “For a few years now, the statistics say so, I’ve been playing a little better. Do I feel underrated? I don’t think about that, when I finish the game if I have time I’ll watch it again and then I decide if I did well or not, I am honest with myself.

“In my movements without the ball I’ve grown a lot in recent years. Slowly I worked and this year you can see the results.”

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ‘always watches’ Thiago

Milinkovic-Savic then spoke about using the sole of his foot to control the ball. He went on to reveal the impact of Liverpool star Thiago on his own game.

“The sole came because I couldn’t shoot with my right foot, I said I’ll shoot with my left and let’s see what happens,” he said.

“I like to use it because it takes your touch away, it depends on how the ball comes to me but I always try to control it with the sole.

“Against shorter players I struggle more because I have to duck too. Who do I take inspiration from? I always watch Liverpool’s Thiago. Some body movements I developed thanks to futsal, a sport I played as a child.”

On comparisons with Pogba, Milinkovic-Savic added: “I learnt a lot from him at the beginning when I arrived in Italy and he was at Juventus. He is tall like me, has technique and already made the difference in games.”

It remains to be seen if Milinkovic-Savic’s admiration for Pogba and Thiago will be enough to convince him to join United, or even Liverpool.

The star clearly keeps an eye on Premier League matches though, which suggests he may be open to a switch if transfer talks begin.

Meanwhile, United have found out whether Frenkie de Jong would be open to joining them from Barcelona this summer.