Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
A long name, but one you’ll probably be familiar with by the end of summer (if you’re not already). Plenty of reports have linked the Lazio midfielder with a big money move this summer, with some of Europe’s top clubs said to be watching him closely at the World Cup.
Manchester United are, of course, one of the clubs thought to be keeping an eye on him. Jose Mourinho even set up a special scouting trip to Austria to watch him last autumn, only to be disappointed on his arrival in Vienna.
‘SMS’ was in action for Serbia in their World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Sunday afternoon, a game covered by ITV Sport. With United said to be sniffing around, Patrice Evra – on punditry duty – was asked if the midfielder would be a good fit at Old Trafford.
Although Evra was initially relatively guarded about the 23-year-old’s chances of a move to his former club, the Frenchman used the opportunity to explain just how much it meant to play for United.
“I’m really careful when I talk about Man United,” he said.
“To play for this club, it’s not just about ability, you need to be a character, a personality. To play for this club you need to die for this club. The expectations are really huge and I’m afraid now I miss people playing for the passion. If someone said to me 20 years ago, ‘Patrice, you will sign for Manchester United and not even get paid,’ I would play for this club.”
Evra did eventually appear to give his blessing for Milinkovic-Savic to move to United, although only on the condition he showed the correct mentality when he arrived
“If he has that mentality… if he goes there and makes sure he would die for the club, I would be really happy for him.”
Evra’s comments appeared to go down particularly well with many United fans watching…
We should be adding @Evra To @ManUtd coaching staff. His passion for the club and personality is much needed in our dressing room. #MUFC
— Scott (@ScottUnited77) June 17, 2018
Uncle Pat knows what it's all about to wear the United shirt with pride and passion not enough players like him anymore @Evra #UnclePat https://t.co/vrseJfgVKJ
— Benjamin Brazil (@bennymufc) June 17, 2018
My love for Evra has maxed out after hearing him say he'd play for United even if he wasn't paid. The passion ❤
— ShaneeVince (@ShaneeVince) June 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/iamscholes/status/1008334280911720448
@Evra you absolute legend !!! Love the passion for Utd on itv just now
— Nikhil Vyas (@Nikvyas86) June 17, 2018
