Aleksandar Mitrovic’s hopes of securing a big-money move to Manchester United have reportedly been dashed after he was charged by the FA for shoving a referee during a recent match against the Red Devils. The 28-year-old Fulham striker lost his temper during his team’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford earlier this month. Mitrovic reacted angrily when his teammate Willian was sent off for handling the ball in the penalty area. He was shown a straight red card for shoving referee Chris Kavanagh and then aggressively shouting in his face. As a result, Mitrovic now faces a 10-match ban after being pulled up by FA chiefs.
Mitrovic’s implosion could cost him even more than just a lengthy ban. According to the Daily Star, Man United had been considering a big-money move for the Serbian striker this summer. Erik ten Hag, the club’s manager, had been impressed by Mitrovic’s impressive haul of 11 goals this season, as well as his record-breaking 43 goals in the Championship last season. Mitrovic was seen as an alternative to loanee Wout Weghorst, who could return to Burnley this summer. However, Ten Hag and other United transfer gurus have now struck Mitrovic off their list after his total lack of discipline on the field.
It is believed that Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona were also keeping tabs on Mitrovic, but they too may now look elsewhere as he prepares to serve a lengthy ban. The 80-cap Serbia international has been at Fulham since 2018 following an initial loan move from Newcastle. Mitrovic has scored 94 goals in 169 games for the Cottagers and has twice been crowned Club Player of the Year.
Mitrovic’s behaviour on the field has been a cause for concern for some time. He has a reputation for being hot-headed and has been involved in several incidents during his career. In 2019, he was banned for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct during a match against Leeds United. Mitrovic was also involved in a heated exchange with teammate Aboubakar Kamara during a match against Huddersfield Town in 2018.
Mitrovic’s latest outburst has once again raised questions about his temperament and his ability to control his emotions on the field. It remains to be seen how the striker will respond to his ban and whether he will be able to regain the trust of potential suitors such as Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona. For now, Mitrovic will have to focus on serving his ban and working on his discipline if he hopes to secure a big-money move in the future.