Jose Mourinho has tasked Manchester United’s scouts with keeping a close eye on Benfica youngster Andrija Zivkovic and has been impressed with what he has seen.
The 21-year-old picked up an assist in the Champions League this week and United scouts were present at the match, just as they have been for each of his appearances this term.
According to O Jogo, Mourinho, a keen follower of football in his native Portugal, was alerted to the youngster’s potential last season and has been watching him since then.
He recorded three assists in the league in the 2016/17 campaign, coming into the side in the second half of the season and showing real promise, becoming a mainstay of the side.
Ironically, Mourinho’s request to scout Zivkovic has given United a head start on their preparations for taking on Benfica in the Champions League.
The two clubs were drawn against each other long before the draw for the group stages were made, where they ended up in Group A together, and the club now have a detailed dossier on the Portuguese side’s squad.
As for Zivkovic, the scouting reports that have been sent back to Mourinho have been very positive, and it may not be long before he is leaving the Stadium of Light.
United and Benfica meet in the Champions League twice in October in a double-header, with the first match taking place in Portugal and the second at Old Trafford, given Mourinho the perfect opportunity to see Zivkovic up close.
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