Should Manchester United consider signing Dominik Livakovic?

Dominik Livakovic is dominating the game for Croatia in the ongoing World Cup. There will be plenty of suitors for him

Football bloody hell! 

There is no other way to describe the feelings of a neutral football fan. The game between Croatia and Brazil had it all. Brazil felt they had sneaked a winning goal in the first half of the additional extra time, but Croatia staged a comeback to find the equalizer in the second half. Brazil bowed out in the penalty shootout after failing to find the back of the net twice in four chances.

Between the win and loss for Croatia, a man stood taller and stronger between the posts. Dominik Livakovic dominated the’s proceedings with his brilliant saves. Livakovic has saved the grace of Croatia and taken them over the line in two games in a row.

These strong performances in the World Cup are all set to link the 27-year-old shot-stopper with European giants. One such team could be Manchester United as they are looking to fill the spot of the second goalkeeper. The club is linked with Yann Sommer who will enter the last six months of the contract in January. The Old Trafford outfit is looking to sign the player on a Bosman transfer.

"Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer on a free transfer next summer(Via: ESPN)"

Why should Manchester United consider signing Dominik Livakovic?

Erik ten Hag’s system needs a shot-stopper who can assist the team in playing from the back. Though David de Gea initially struggled to adopt, he is making advances steadily. However, in the absence of a backup shot-stopper (though Martin Dubravka is signed on a loan deal from Newcastle United), David de Gea has played every game in the Premier League for Manchester United.

Due to the lack of a ball-playing goalkeeper, Erik ten Hag had to make some compromises in his playing style. He is looking to address that by signing Yann Sommer. Though Yann Sommer is not a bad selection, signing Dominik Livakovic would make sense as he is still 28 compared to Yann Sommer, who will turn 34 on 17th December.

There isn’t much difference in statistics between Livakovic and Sommer. In the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Livakovic enjoyed a pass accuracy of 80% whereas Yan Sommer had 90%. Sommer had a save percentage of 63.16%, but the Croatian shot-keeper has a save percentage of 87%.

(Via: Squawka)

The Old Trafford outfit has struggled to get a goalkeeper who can save the penalties. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United missed out on the UEFA Europa League as de Gea failed to save a penalty. Livakovic has shown in the quadrennial event that he can handle pressure situations and save penalties. He has saved five penalties out of eight shots in the shoot-out in the last two games. There needs no better testament than this to sign a player.

Dominik Livakovic is lighter on the pocket as well. Though he would cost close to €8.5 million, his wages are less than a million per year. On the other hand, Sommer earns £3.2 million per year. Considering longevity and skills, Livakovic would be a great option for Manchester United.

What next for Croatia in the FIFA World Cup?

Croatia have marched to the semifinals of the quadrennial and will look to get over the 2018 disappointment. They will face Argentina on 13th December at Lusail Stadium.

Should Manchester United consider signing Dominik Livakovic in the winter or next summer? Have your say below!