Report: Manchester United interested in move for AC Milan star

Midfield must remain priority

United’s Champions League return changes the scale of the summer, but not the logic. Midfield needs attention first. Left back and left wing also feel more pressing than another centre back.

Pavlovic may be admired, but admiration is not recruitment. Unless Milan’s position softens, or United believe he is a clear upgrade, this deal should sit behind more essential business.

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From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the sort of link that feels both exciting and slightly worrying. Pavlovic sounds like the kind of defender fans love, strong, aggressive, left footed and already battle hardened in Serie A. You can see why Carrick would be interested.

But United have been here before. Too often, the club have spent big because a player looked like an opportunity, rather than because he solved the biggest problem. The midfield still needs power, control and legs. That has to come first.

There is also a trust element here. Martinez’s fitness, De Ligt’s consistency, Maguire’s age and Yoro’s development all create questions, but they do not necessarily demand a £43m answer. If Pavlovic is genuinely viewed as elite, fine. If he is simply available at the right number, United should walk away.

Carrick needs a balanced summer, not a noisy one. Pavlovic would be interesting, but only after the real gaps are fixed.