United “ready to make” £43m offer for 6’4 defensive goliath, it’s bad news for Carrick favourite – report

Manchester United are ready to ramp up their pursuit of AC Milan colossus Strahinja Pavlovic, according to the latest report from Italy. Serbian Monster The Red Devils are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, despite Harry Maguire signing a contract extension. United are understood to have identified Pavlovic as a key target to help bring more size and strength to their backline, which often comes under fire in the absence of Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt. The 24-year-old centre-back possesses an imposing 6’4 frame and is dominant aerially. Since joining Milan from RB Salzburg in 2024, he has become the leader of the defence and is considered an integral member of the dressing room at the San Siro. However, the Serbia international, who has drawn comparisons to United legend Nemanja Vidic, is not simply a defensive brute; he is also able to play out from the back and help progress play. Crucially, he is left-footed – a desirable trait for United – and is also versatile, having played in both back three and back four systems with the Rossoneri. While there are understandable concerns when shopping in Italy, given the struggles of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, Pavlovic offers a profile which translates perfectly to the Premier League. United ready to strike Corriere dello Sport reveals United are “ready to make a €50 million offer”, which converts to a fee in the region of £43m. The Italian outlet describes Pavlovic as having enjoyed an “excellent season”, during which he has made 36 appearances in all competitions. Milan do not want to lose the centre-back, but financial pressures could force a sale, particularly if they miss out on Champions League football for a second year in a row. Massimiliano Allegri’s side are currently fourth in Serie A, level on points with fifth-placed Roma and two clear of Como in sixth. There are two matches remaining: an away trip to Genoa before hosting Cagliari on the final day of the season. Corriere dello Sport concludes that the seven-time Champions League winners have “two games to prevent” Pavlovic leaving this summer. Final Thoughts While there is an element of surprise that United are intent on adding another centre-back to their ranks, given there are five first-team options already in Michael Carrick’s squad, injury concerns continue to plague De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. INEOS are believed to want a defensive powerhouse on the left-hand side of defence to complement Maguire and De Ligt on the right, particularly as Martinez has often struggled when returning from injury – as he did against Sunderland on the weekend. Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.