It is easy to understand why Jose Mourinho wants Ivan Perisic.
The Croatian has many of the physical attributes required of a modern-day footballer. At around 6ft he is taller than most wide players, and certainly not a lanky waif with it. The rather unconventional ‘hobby’ of professional beach volleyball is apparent in his muscular upper-body and toned frame.
He also boasts a formidable burst of speed and impressive change in direction. Unlike some other flying wingers who race away in a fleet-footed manner but tend to bounce off the merest shoulder barge, Perisic has a momentum to his forward bursts. His ‘hard running’ style is reminiscent of an Antonio Valencia or Gareth Bale.
At 28, he is also at the perfect age. Not only is he entering the assumed ‘peak’ years of a footballer’s career, but he has also ironed out and improved upon various weaknesses that previously blighted his game. Accusations of inconsistency have largely disappeared, whilst his workrate and dedication to tracking back are now immense.
His maturity is apparent in both his efficient style and astute use of the ball. The Inter man is direct in movement and intention – he wants to get into a position to score or assist as soon as possible. This is a welcome trait for a United side who often procrastinate to a maddening degree. His judgement of when to dribble or pass is also spot on.
One can imagine the hard-working Croat being a wonderful outlet for the likes of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba, either to instigate an attack or alleviate pressure. Either one of Luke Shaw or Matteo Darmian would love his help in solidifying the left-hand side of the team, whilst Romelu Lukaku would relish his supply.
Lol! Ivan Perisic clearly a fan of my go-to #FIFA17 trick… ?? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/NwyfDahaVP
— Brendon Netto (@BrendonNetto) July 18, 2017
But none of this is why he’d be an ideal recruit for Manchester United. Neither are is 11 goals, 8 assists and 61 chances created last season relevant. No, the reason why he is must-have signed for Mourinho’s side is because he has already been welcomed by United fans around the world – as their next favourite scapegoat.
The equilibrium around Old Trafford just isn’t properly satisfied unless there’s at least one or two focal points for fan ire. They act as lightning rods for general dissatisfaction, as well as serving as comic relief to poke fun at and mock.
Previous ‘bête noire’s like Jonny Evans, Nani and Darren Fletcher may have flown the nest to experience the novel sensations of respect and appreciation at other clubs, but there’s always Marouane Fellaini and homegrown target of abuse Jesse Lingard to fill the void. The latter scores goals in cup finals but also dabs, so he’s obviously bad.
What’s impressive about Perisic is that he’s become a scapegoat in record time – before he’s even joined the club in fact. Supporters have taken to abusing him and slagging him off in preparation to doing so in earnest if and when he dons the famous red jersey. His main crime? Not being a star name and quite impressing Jose Mourinho.
The 28-year-old is not flashy by any means. His signing would not shake the world game to its very core, nor would it have the marketing men rubbing their hands in greedy excitement. In many ways he is a very functional player who Mourinho covets to perform very specific functions within the team.
But perhaps the most important function he will have is as convenient punchbag for United fans who just want to enjoy a good old-fashioned moan.
