Is Mario Mandzukic to Manchester United rumour a cover-up for Solskjaer’s failures?

According to Daily Express, Manchester have reached a verbal agreement with Serie A holders Juventus over a £10m deal for striker Mario Mandzukic. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to add a new striker to his side as the club hasn't signed any replacement for Romelu Lukaku. Also, with Alexis Sanchez playing for Internazionale on loan, United are facing a lot of issues in the attacking front. 

The 33-year-old striker was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer, but the move failed to materialize. Now, however, it seems that the Red Devils will finally get their man in January. Mandzukic, however, doesn't look like a typical Manchester United signing as he is moving towards the end of his career.

Solskjaer’s policy has been to sign young players with high re-sale value, as he looks to build a core of British talent, however, the Croatian international is neither young nor British. He seems more like an emergency alternative, a short-term option due to the current situation the team is in. 

Thanks to Mandzukic’s experience coupled with his excellent goal-scoring record over the years, he could prove to be a great signing for the Red Devils and is cheap as well. The Norwegian's side have struggled with just Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood to lead the line this term. 

Neither Rashford nor Martial is proper number nine and playing them at that position has costed United a lot. They are more suited to play out wide. Also, Greenwood is still too young and immature to play first team for a team like Manchester United. 

Both Mandzukic and Manchester United could benefit from the move. The Croatian is hardly getting playing time at Juventus. He has not made a single appearance for the Serie A giants since Maurizio Sarri's appointment as their head coach during the summer. Also, Mandzukic has appeared on the bench in three out of the nine matches of the Old Lady The former Atletico Madrid striker was not even registered in the UEFA Champions League 23-man squad by Sarri.

Just like Manchester United, he has to prove a point and is likely to get that opportunity as well. He has been a proven striker in three of the top five leagues in Europe. Despite that, Mandzukic is yet to play in the Premier League, but has everything to succeed in the English top tier. Mandzukic to Manchester United looks like a deal beneficial for all parties. 

However, this is just a cover-up story to make the United fans happy, as we all know he is no Zlatan? The team has been really poor so far and are currently at the 12th position with nine points. They are currently a couple of points above the relegation zone and will face European Champions, Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Things could go from bad to worse for Solskjaer and his men, but the main question is, can Mandzukic really help their cause? 

Cover image credits: Daily Express