Nikola Milenkovic

Bastian

Full Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
18,444
Supports
Mejbri
Yes we were heavily linked with Varane just after we signed Phil Jones. Seemed like we might not need another young CB, but as it turns out it would have been a good signing
Yes. Tale of two very very different careers.

I've got good news for you mate. We signed 16 year old Willy Kambwala from Sochaux, who like Upamecano at the time is one of the biggest talents in his age group. Sadly he's injured at the moment, but I'm very excited with his potential.
I know mate :) The youth recruitment and the running of the academy is by far the best thing about United recently - it matches the ambitions befitting a big club. He will take a while to get there though and we need a partner for Harry. Your favourite seems to be heading to Liverpool though :(
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
Yes. Tale of two very very different careers.



I know mate :) The youth recruitment and the running of the academy is by far the best thing about United recently - it matches the ambitions befitting a big club. He will take a while to get there though and we need a partner for Harry. Your favourite seems to be heading to Liverpool though :(
That was heart breaking when I was alerted of that news earlier and after crying for two hours straight, I'm feeling better now in the hope someone else hijacks the deal..

But there's a few other good options we could sign.
 

Bastian

Full Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
18,444
Supports
Mejbri
That was heart breaking when I was alerted of that news earlier and after crying for two hours straight, I'm feeling better now in the hope someone else hijacks the deal..

But there's a few other good options we could sign.
Aye, the thought of him next to Virgil is quite daunting. And the real stinger is how cheap he'll go for.

Have you followed Ben White at all?
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
Aye, the thought of him next to Virgil is quite daunting. And the real stinger is how cheap he'll go for.

Have you followed Ben White at all?
I haven't followed Ben White at all but I have a friend who rates him very highly.
 

Bastian

Full Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
18,444
Supports
Mejbri
I haven't followed Ben White at all but I have a friend who rates him very highly.
From the descriptions he sounds like a good partner to Maguire. I confess to wanting a physical monster, but I'm intrigued. Again, from reading about him rather than watching him play, he seems quite suitable to a progressive style of play.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
From the descriptions he sounds like a good partner to Maguire. I confess to wanting a physical monster, but I'm intrigued. Again, from reading about him rather than watching him play, he seems quite suitable to a progressive style of play.
He's definitely someone who would allow us to play a more expansive game, and also allow someone like Pogba to play in a midfield two more regularly according to what I've been told by someone who is very clued up on the technical aspects of the game.

So if we sign a CB who can defend his own zone solo if/when required. Then Maguire with the aide of our more defensive minded midfielder can defend the defensive zone on the left. Currently we seem to be dropping too deep and are unable to maintain a high line against teams who transition play quickly. So a CB who would allow us to maintain a higher line could well galvanize our attack more than signing say signing a specialist attacker IMO.
 

Bastian

Full Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
18,444
Supports
Mejbri
He's definitely someone who would allow us to play a more expansive game, and also allow someone like Pogba to play in a midfield two more regularly according to what I've been told by someone who is very clued up on the technical aspects of the game.

So if we sign a CB who can defend his own zone solo if/when required. Then Maguire with the aide of our more defensive minded midfielder can defend the defensive zone on the left. Currently we seem to be dropping too deep and are unable to maintain a high line against teams who transition play quickly. So a CB who would allow us to maintain a higher line could well galvanize our attack more than signing say signing a specialist attacker IMO.
Yeah, it's quite an interesting scenario. Seen him a handful of times, looks technically great for a centre back, his ball playing ability is top notch, he's not the tallest or the strongest, but still aggressive. But if he forays into midfield or further, we definitely do need that bona fide DM as Maguire is not a sweeper type and neither full back races back at full pelt.

On the rare occasion Lindelof has dribbled past a couple of people, it has tended to open things up, as we're not as super predictable as usually. It would be fun to have a baller centre back. But more pieces need to come together. Agree that it would improve our attacking game too. Maybe the most important position for that, outside of signing a world class striker, is signing that DM who can then allow us to field two creative midfielders in the same 11, in Bruno and Pogba (or even VDB) and do what they're best at.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
Yeah, it's quite an interesting scenario. Seen him a handful of times, looks technically great for a centre back, his ball playing ability is top notch, he's not the tallest or the strongest, but still aggressive. But if he forays into midfield or further, we definitely do need that bona fide DM as Maguire is not a sweeper type and neither full back races back at full pelt.

On the rare occasion Lindelof has dribbled past a couple of people, it has tended to open things up, as we're not as super predictable as usually. It would be fun to have a baller centre back. But more pieces need to come together. Agree that it would improve our attacking game too. Maybe the most important position for that, outside of signing a world class striker, is signing that DM who can then allow us to field two creative midfielders in the same 11, in Bruno and Pogba (or even VDB) and do what they're best at.
You could be correct about signing a DM over a CB. But for me a CB (with the requisite attributes ) is more important because, otherwise we'll still carry on playing too deep. And signing a DM wouldn't correct that due to the attributes of our current starting CB pairing who aren't the strongest at maintaining a higher line against teams who can transition play quickly. Ideally we need both a CB and a DM, but I think we can get away with just a CB for the coming season with either Fred or McTominay helping Maguire on the turn-over to maintain defensive balance.

But what a new CB with the requisite attributes does, is that it allows Solskjaer to press high and play a high tempo, fast transition game that opens up overload capabilities on both flanks and through the centre. And additionally the counter press without the ball becomes more effective because the backline has closed off the space by pushing high. So now the potential of wave after wave of attack, becomes a real possibility due to the opposition being pinned in their own half.

That's just how I'm seeing things right now.
 

VP89

Pogba's biggest fan
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
31,122
From the descriptions he sounds like a good partner to Maguire. I confess to wanting a physical monster, but I'm intrigued. Again, from reading about him rather than watching him play, he seems quite suitable to a progressive style of play.
I think he is but I haven't seen enough of him too. He appears a bit stocky in build and that insinuates a lack of agility I guess. But definitely a physical advantage to have in teams
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
I mean for that sort of money....

Although Telles our last cheap defensive punt hasn't exactly set the world alight has he.
Telles was never gonna set the world alight to be fair. Even the Portuguese posters on here didn't think much of him regards making the jump from Liga Nos to the EPL.
 

Bondi77

Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
7,203
No disrespect to you mate but that tweet is rubbish!
I would bet big money that if we get this guy in the summer it will be no less than £25mil because of who we are and no club will get him for €10 in the summer.
 

Ali Dia

Full Member
Joined
May 10, 2013
Messages
14,135
Location
Souness's Super Sub/George Weahs Talented Cousin
We seem to be concentrating on players nearing the end of their deals which is a solid strategy that I have praised Bayern and Juve for over the years. The list of players whose deals are running out in the next 2 years is quite impressive. We could definitely build a better team by adding the right players from that list to what we already have. Cheaper or free first team players means we can also probably take a few more risks throwing in our youth products. 10 million still sounds a bit too cheap though surely?
 
Last edited:

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
No disrespect to you mate but that tweet is rubbish!
I would bet big money that if we get this guy in the summer it will be no less than £25mil because of who we are and no club will get him for €10 in the summer.
With his contract running down and him unwilling to extend per reports, it makes sense that he will go for less than the €30m that's being reported IMO. I've mentioned €20m max before and wouldn't be surprised at all if he is sold for considerably less than the €30m being reported or he'll walk on a free the following season. I can see him leaving for around €15m to €20m or he'll walk on a free.

I think the issue here could be the agent fees, potentially.
 

Bondi77

Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
7,203
With his contract running down and him unwilling to extend per reports, it makes sense that he will go for less than the €30m that's being reported IMO. I've mentioned €20m max before and wouldn't be surprised at all if he is sold for considerably less than the €30m being reported or he'll walk on a free the following season. I can see him leaving for around €15m to €20m or he'll walk on a free.

I think the issue here could be the agent fees, potentially.
If we get him for that it is a no brainer for me then as with his attributes and his age we cannot lose.
 

Red_toad

Full Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Messages
11,587
Location
DownUnder
No disrespect to you mate but that tweet is rubbish!
I would bet big money that if we get this guy in the summer it will be no less than £25mil because of who we are and no club will get him for €10 in the summer.
We‘re not flush with cash and if we’re interested then he’ll only want to join United. No chance he moves for in excess of 20 million. They need to sell, they can’t risk him sitting out his contract.
 

charlenefan

Far less insightful than the other Charley
Joined
Aug 17, 2005
Messages
33,052
I mean for that sort of money....

Although Telles our last cheap defensive punt hasn't exactly set the world alight has he.
I don't have an issue with Telles but yeah just because he's cheap doesn't mean we should sign him. Shite players will cost us in games and bigger picture will be deadwood picking up thousands a month
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
He's a player that could prove to be a bargain for around €15m to €20m. He's aerially very dominant, quick, physical and has the potential to advance play to a good level. And his defencies are also something that can easily be overcome on the training ground. At 23 years old, he would be a very shrewd signing for a player who is coming to the end of his contract and is reported to be unwilling to extend. His wage at Fiorentina is reportedly £18k a week too.

People bring up Alex Telles, but The comparison is a poor one, because apart from his delivery, he falls short on a few other key attributes for a fullback which have been mentioned on here by some of our Portuguese members before we signed him. He's also 28.

I would've preferred Ibrahima Konate or Upamecano, but I can see the sense in us signing Milenkovic too, for a knock down price. Signing him for a low fee on low wages could also open up the possibility of us signing a young hot prospect for the role in the long-term with Maguire turning 28 years old now. Milenkovic along side a Loic Bade would probably best suit us in the mid to long-term IMO.
 

Bondi77

Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
7,203
We‘re not flush with cash and if we’re interested then he’ll only want to join United. No chance he moves for in excess of 20 million. They need to sell, they can’t risk him sitting out his contract.
Do you want to pass on that message to the posters who think we are going to get Haaland in the summer because they think we are :eek:
 

Lash

Full Member
Joined
May 3, 2012
Messages
11,888
Location
Buckinghamshire
Supports
Millwall, Saint-Etienne
He's a player that could prove to be a bargain for around €15m to €20m. He's aerially very dominant, quick, physical and has the potential to advance play to a good level. And his defencies are also something that can easily be overcome on the training ground. At 23 years old, he would be a very shrewd signing for a player who is coming to the end of his contract and is reported to be unwilling to extend. His wage at Fiorentina is reportedly £18k a week too.

People bring up Alex Telles, but The comparison is a poor one, because apart from his delivery, he falls short on a few other key attributes for a fullback which have been mentioned on here by some of our Portuguese members before we signed him. He's also 28.

I would've preferred Ibrahima Konate or Upamecano, but I can see the sense in us signing Milenkovic too, for a knock down price. Signing him for a low fee on low wages could also open up the possibility of us signing a young hot prospect for the role in the long-term with Maguire turning 28 years old now. Milenkovic along side a Loic Bade would probably best suit us in the mid to long-term IMO.
I don't think we could have gambled on Konates fitness, as much as we all know his strengths. I think you're right on the money aspect. It could be Haaland/Sancho/Grealish who we have to spend a pretty penny on getting this summer, not leaving much in the coffers.

I'd prefer Nathan Collins if we're looking in the prospect department alongside Milenkovic. Against spurs in the cup, he looked very good on the ball IIRC.
 

Red_toad

Full Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Messages
11,587
Location
DownUnder
Do you want to pass on that message to the posters who think we are going to get Haaland in the summer because they think we are :eek:
It's the same every single summer, there's always 1 player who you know it's just not going to happen. Looking at any of the clubs finance records, the Glazers aren't ever going to allow the club to spend 150 million plus huge wages in the 2021 summer window on 1 player.
 

Bondi77

Full Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
7,203
It's the same every single summer, there's always 1 player who you know it's just not going to happen. Looking at any of the clubs finance records, the Glazers aren't ever going to allow the club to spend 150 million plus huge wages in the 2021 summer window on 1 player.
It made me laugh with the Sancho saga last year but I think we may go for him this year funny though it may sound ; A reduced price and it sounds like Sancho wanted it to happen last year so possibly he will be forthright in making his feelings known to Dortmund if we go sniffing again.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
I don't think we could have gambled on Konates fitness, as much as we all know his strengths. I think you're right on the money aspect. It could be Haaland/Sancho/Grealish who we have to spend a pretty penny on getting this summer, not leaving much in the coffers.

I'd prefer Nathan Collins if we're looking in the prospect department alongside Milenkovic. Against spurs in the cup, he looked very good on the ball IIRC.
Agreed on Nathan Collins, he looks to have a very interesting profile and could be a excellent developmental type signing alongside Milenkovic.
 
Last edited:

Red_toad

Full Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2010
Messages
11,587
Location
DownUnder
I don't think we could have gambled on Konates fitness, as much as we all know his strengths. I think you're right on the money aspect. It could be Haaland/Sancho/Grealish who we have to spend a pretty penny on getting this summer, not leaving much in the coffers.

I'd prefer Nathan Collins if we're looking in the prospect department alongside Milenkovic. Against spurs in the cup, he looked very good on the ball IIRC.
Fletcher was rumoured to be strongly encouraging the club to sign him when he came back onboard.
 

AneRu

Full Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
3,065
It's the same every single summer, there's always 1 player who you know it's just not going to happen. Looking at any of the clubs finance records, the Glazers aren't ever going to allow the club to spend 150 million plus huge wages in the 2021 summer window on 1 player.
I think it's something that Woodward would do, getting Haaland in at that sort of fee that is, and he probably could convince the Glazers to do it if we had a sniff at signing him but we'd be far down his list of preferences because I think he would want his big move to be at a club that has a realistic chance of winning big things like City, Real or PSG.
 

Rojofiam

Full Member
Joined
May 11, 2017
Messages
3,009
I think it's something that Woodward would do, getting Haaland in at that sort of fee that is, and he probably could convince the Glazers to do it if we had a sniff at signing him but we'd be far down his list of preferences because I think he would want his big move to be at a club that has a realistic chance of winning big things like City, Real or PSG.
Real are shit
 

Deery

Dreary
Joined
May 21, 2019
Messages
18,590
I think we’ll sign this guy and sell or let go of Bailly, he’s just not reliable enough to keep around.
 

Freak

Born a freak always a freak.
Joined
May 8, 2004
Messages
22,910
Location
Somewhere in your mind, touching a nerve
Instead of paying for this guy, maybe we can we do a swap deal with Bailly? Then we can also sell Tuanzebe & Jones to spend on another centre back (Ben White?)

Maguire, Lindelof, Milenkovic and White would be a good and reliable set to compete for the 2 CB spots.
 

Lennon7

nipple flasher and door destroyer
Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
10,473
Location
M5
There’s little point going out for a centre back without getting a defensive midfielder. They’d just be exposed the same way our current ones are.
 

golden_blunder

Site admin. Manchester United fan
Staff
Joined
Jun 1, 2000
Messages
119,444
Location
Dublin, Ireland
So it's been decided on here that he's not good enough - or what we need - and Konate is heading to Liverpool. Who's left, Torres? Think the Caf also decided Koundé was not good enough either. Anyone else, Ben White? Is he as good as Leeds' desperation to sign him?
I’m still konate until he signs for that lot. If he does then obviously he will become an overhyped shit one legged hobbler
 

golden_blunder

Site admin. Manchester United fan
Staff
Joined
Jun 1, 2000
Messages
119,444
Location
Dublin, Ireland
I don't think we could have gambled on Konates fitness, as much as we all know his strengths. I think you're right on the money aspect. It could be Haaland/Sancho/Grealish who we have to spend a pretty penny on getting this summer, not leaving much in the coffers.

I'd prefer Nathan Collins if we're looking in the prospect department alongside Milenkovic. Against spurs in the cup, he looked very good on the ball IIRC.
Is he the lad from Stoke that Fletcher recommended before?
 

Bastian

Full Member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
18,444
Supports
Mejbri
I’m still konate until he signs for that lot. If he does then obviously he will become an overhyped shit one legged hobbler
Yeah, it's a great deal if possible. Cheap and he's obviously super promising, the only issue is the injury proneness. But if that lot are interested, I'm worried.
 

golden_blunder

Site admin. Manchester United fan
Staff
Joined
Jun 1, 2000
Messages
119,444
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Yeah, it's a great deal if possible. Cheap and he's obviously super promising, the only issue is the injury proneness. But if that lot are interested, I'm worried.
Yeah if he signs for them it speaks for his injury record. They wouldn’t buy someone else they consider would be on the table so often considering what happened this season
 

VP89

Pogba's biggest fan
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
31,122
He's a player that could prove to be a bargain for around €15m to €20m. He's aerially very dominant, quick, physical and has the potential to advance play to a good level. And his defencies are also something that can easily be overcome on the training ground. At 23 years old, he would be a very shrewd signing for a player who is coming to the end of his contract and is reported to be unwilling to extend. His wage at Fiorentina is reportedly £18k a week too.

People bring up Alex Telles, but The comparison is a poor one, because apart from his delivery, he falls short on a few other key attributes for a fullback which have been mentioned on here by some of our Portuguese members before we signed him. He's also 28.

I would've preferred Ibrahima Konate or Upamecano, but I can see the sense in us signing Milenkovic too, for a knock down price. Signing him for a low fee on low wages could also open up the possibility of us signing a young hot prospect for the role in the long-term with Maguire turning 28 years old now. Milenkovic along side a Loic Bade would probably best suit us in the mid to long-term IMO.
Cheers Adnan, where would you rank him compared to the current options we have, say Lindelof or Bailly? And if he were to join us would you reckon he'd be starting over them both? I wonder also if we will still need a 6.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,862
Location
England
Cheers Adnan, where would you rank him compared to the current options we have, say Lindelof or Bailly? And if he were to join us would you reckon he'd be starting over them both? I wonder also if we will still need a 6.
Potentially he'd be our most rounded CB IMO. He's quick, strong, aerially very dominant and advances play to a good level. There are a few defencies that need to be ironed out on the training ground, which is normal for a young CB like Milenkovic. But I'd expect Milenkovic to oust Lindelof from the team after a settling in period. His contract situation also means that he will be available for a relatively low transfer fee.

We still need a midfielder who can play both the #6 and #8 roles IMO. I don't believe we need a pure #6/DM to play in the double pivot in the coming transfer window. My preference would be for the club to sign someone who is the more attack minded of the two in midfield but is also defensively capable. Neuhaus from Gladbach could be a player that fits the role IMO and may well be available for £30m. Then the following summer, we can look at the more combative types to upgrade on McTominay and Fred.

Milenkovic, Sancho and Neuhaus would be a good transfer window IMO.