World Cup Scout: Croatia vs Nigeria - Will Manchester United rue not moving for defensive target

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has made signing long-term replacements for Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young a priority since last season. The Premier League giants have been linked with a variety of defenders in that time, including versatile Croatian Sime Vrsaljko.

The 26-year-old, who is predominately a right-back but can also play on the opposite flank, has spent the last two years at Atletico Madrid but has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth under Diego Simeone in that time.

Vrsaljko signed a new contract extension with Atletico the start of the year after usurping Juanfran in the pecking order midway through last season, but the 33-year-old regained his place towards the end of the campaign.

United were understood to be mulling an offer for the Croatia international as recently as last month but appear to have shelved their interest after turning to Porto teenager Diogo Dalot in a deal worth in the region of £20m.

Now that iconic Croatian defender Darijo Srna is no longer in the picture on the international scene, Vrsaljko will be the first choice right-back for Zlatko Dalic’s side this summer. Despite only making 21 appearances in the league last season, only Antoine Griezmann (9) provided more assists than Vrsaljko (4) for Atletico in the league. Nevertheless, he has big shoes to fill in a Croatia shirt.

While a capable defender, illustrated by an average of four tackles and interceptions per league game last season, the 26-year-old will also provide creativity from the flanks and could prove a threat in the oppositions penalty area, with his statistically calculated strength of ‘aerial duels’.

Vrsaljko certainly appears to fit the criteria of what Mourinho wants in a full-back and the United boss will have the perfect seat to watch him in action this summer during his role as a pundit for Russia Today. Will the Portugese live to regret not moving for the Atletico defender?