Manchester United boss praises performance of Ivan Perisic

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Ivan Perisic after he starred during Croatia’s semi-final triumph over England. The Inter Milan star contributed a goal and an assist against the Three Lions to earn the man of the match accolade and following the game, Mourinho was full of praise for the 29-year-old.

Speaking to RT Sport, Mourinho was impressed with the qualities of Perisic, who was one United’s radar during the previous summer transfer window, he said: “Perisic is the kind of winger that is different to the others.Normally you look at wingers and they are just fast and creative.But he is also physical, very physical, fantastic in the air.”

Perisic had come on the cusp of joining United from Inter Milan last summer but the deal was scuppered at the final hurdle after a disagreement over the transfer fee. United had hoped to sign the Croatian for a fee of around £40m and Inter’s demand for an additional £10m scuppered the move.

The winger thereafter followed to sign a new long-term deal with Inter until June 2022 but this has pretty much assured his long-term stay with the Nerazzurri, now that they are back in the Champions League. Perisic is presently with the Croatian national side as they prepare for their maiden World Cup and he has a huge role to play this weekend, if they are to secure a shock triumph over France in Moscow.

Meanwhile, Mourinho had returned to United’s Carrington training base as the club prepare for the pre-season tour of the United States. The Red Devils have been quiet in the transfer window with just one major signing in the form of Fred and the next few weeks should witness some activity with the Portuguese keen on signing a new centre-back and a right-sided winger before the deadline.