Manchester United should translate links into transfer for Serbian ace this summer – Opinion

Vlahovic is more of a classic number nine who can operate upfront with Cunha and Bruno complementing him, where the Serbian striker anchors the line whilst allowing Cunha and Bruno to float into half-spaces. The 25-year-old is someone who acts as a ball magnet, given his outstanding hold-up play complemented by his lay-offs to midfield. So he is to create space behind for wing-backs or inside runners (which will be a major upgrade on how United currently stagnate in those capacities with Hojlund).

In his operation of Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon, we know that Amorim wants to bring in a striker who doesn’t need to drop deep to influence the game but can bring others into play by simply holding his line and commanding attention, and he gets exactly that in Dusan Vlahovic.

Moreover, in games where United are to absorb pressure and spring transitions, you know that the former Fiorentina star gives you that capacity to play as a vertical passing target, especially given his strength to hold up play under pressure. And the 25-year-old also has the capacity to play in attacking second phases where he is timing his runs when the midfield wins duels.

We saw how Amorim wanted to use dead ball situations to gain an advantage last season, but the fact of the current situation is that only Harry Maguire has any sort of capacity in the air, and in Vlahovic, United gets a player who wins those headers in attacking set pieces given his frame and timings. He can also defend corners and zonal setups when deployed on the front post. All in all, in this aspect of the game, Vlahovic gives you that physical edge, something that United have lacked aerially in the box beyond Maguire.

Strengths

He could become that tactical focal point that Amorim desperately needs, especially given how he has that capacity to hold the line to free up spaces for other creators around him. He also has that great left-footed finishing ability.

Weaknesses

He can get isolated quite easily if the ball supplies into his zone are low and sometimes struggles to maintain consistency.

Author Opinion

If Ruben Amorim is looking to bring someone that can replicate his tactical framework and translate it into goals, then Dusan Vlahovic has that capacity given how he allows Bruno to operate as a pure creator once again, presents Cunha with space to drift into his runs, and is the reference point that United hasn’t had since Cavani or peak Martial. In a system-based structure, Vlahovic doesn’t need 10 touches a game, but instead he needs 3 moments, and he’ll finish one.