Strahinja Pavlovic: Manchester United ‘above all’ in race to sign 24-year-old

Manchester United are monitoring AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic, who has been one of the Rossoneri’s best players this season.

The centre-back had struggled during the 2024/25 campaign. It was his first year in Italy, and the club’s instability impacted him.

Things have been much better under Max Allegri. The Serbian has emerged as one of their best players even in times of struggle over the past couple of months. He has become a reliable ball-carrier, showing his technical abilities quite well.

Sport Witness have covered Chelsea’s interest in Pavlovic, which remains just that at this stage.

English interest has quickly grown and Manchester United are in the picture.

AC Milan attempting to fight off clubs

Gazzetta dello Sport report AC Milan and Allegri himself have made Pavlovic a point of reference for the backline this season. This is a fitting reward for how he’s done this season, not letting last season define him.

The 24-year-old has five goals, with one being a rocket against Torino. The report also praises his goalscoring record, with him on four less than top-scorer Rafael Leao. He also scored against Atalanta at the weekend, trying his best to help Milan turn things around from 3-0 down.

Naturally, the Serbia international is attracting suitors. Manchester United are ‘on his trail’ and Milan are aware of his growing reputation. Michael Carrick’s side are said to be ‘above all’ in the race.

They have no intention of parting ways with him and will do everything to keep him at the club. All of this will depend on their qualification for the Champions League, which is hanging in the balance.

Champions League not certain

Two months ago, Milan fought to a 1-0 win over Inter Milan. This put them back in the title race but things have fallen apart since.

They are now level on points with fifth-placed Roma, having won only three of their last nine league games. This has caused quite a bit of chaos at the San Siro, which has seen fans protesting against the RedBird ownership and CEO Giorgio Furlani.

All of that has caused major doubts over multiple players and nobody is secure.

Our take: Milan would want the money

If AC Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League, it would be their second consecutive campaign outside that competition. This will impact them financially in a significant way – as it does to every other Italian club.

That is why Milan might look forward to a sale to Manchester United. 

Milan paid only €18m for him in 2024, which will make a capital gain easy to earn.