While Manchester United’s players were enjoying the end of season awards last night, the Europa League semi-finals were concluding.
Arsenal and Chelsea made it through, as they look to follow United by winning the competition in 2017.
Chelsea had a real scare from Luka Jovic, Eintracht Frankfurt’s prolific Serbian striker.
(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
He scored a clinical goal, showing why he should be a contender to replace Romelu Lukaku up front for United next season.
Luka Jović has ice in his veins! ❄️
The deadly Serbian is put through on goal and slots it home 👏
It’s all square at the Bridge… pic.twitter.com/55C9SA2w6N
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 9, 2019
Jovic’s record this season is excellent. He has 27 goals this season now, 17 in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Europa League.
He is a powerhouse of a forward, capable of a subtle touch, providing six assists for good measure.
If United move on from Romelu Lukaku, even with Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford, spending big on Jovic would be a terrific move.
(Photo by Stuart Franklin – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Has he been linked?
It’s uncertain at this stage whether Jovic is really on United’s radar.
Spanish website Don Balon claimed in March that United are one of the clubs eyeing Jovic, but the outlet is notoriously unreliable.
More likely is that Jovic heads to Real Madrid, with Frankfurt’s sporting director Fredi Bobic admitting it as a possibility.
He said: “I hope and want him to stay here at Eintracht, but I’m also realistic and know that if a big club like Real want him then we haven’t got a chance of keeping him.”
Diario AS reported at the weekend that Real hope to agree a £51 million move for Jovic.
United may have other plans, but the Real move is not done yet, and a move for the Serbian is still possible if the Red Devils decide to show club and player they want him more.
At just 21, he would be a terrific investment, and he is ideally suited for Premier League football.
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Fans react
Jovic’s performance against Chelsea had United fans calling for a move. Here is a look at some of the comments…
I would definitely take Jovic at United next season. Seems like he is going to be a top player #MUFC
— Megabrickz 💊 (@MegaBrickz) May 9, 2019
Jovic > Rashford #mufc
— Reece Dunbar (@reecedunbar94) May 9, 2019
@ManUtd need to just pay up and sign that #Jovic from Frankfurt #MUFC #CHEFRA
— Andy Mallon (@Withnail_Mallon) May 9, 2019
#mufc need striker like luka jovic but he won’t come now fr sure with no Ucl place…
— Rohit – ਰੋਹਿਤ (@stupiddentist) May 9, 2019
We wouldn’t go far wrong in signing Jovic – his finishing is levels above any of the attackers we have in our side – great composure for a 21-year-old #mufc
— Dipak (@dipaksiyani) May 9, 2019
Two levels up from lukaku
— United Rant (@unitedrant) May 9, 2019
Just pay whatever it takes. His header in the first leg was quality
— Andy Mallon (@Withnail_Mallon) May 9, 2019