Aleksandar Mitrovic, once a target for Manchester United, saw his chances of a big-money move dashed after a meltdown resulted in an eight-game ban during a chaotic clash.
The Serbian striker had enjoyed a prolific 2022/23 season with Fulham, attracting interest from top Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea. However, his eventual move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League came as a surprise departure from the English top flight, largely due to the fallout from a disciplinary incident.
Mitrovic’s downfall began during Fulham’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United in 2023, which ended in dramatic fashion with three red cards in 20 minutes, including one shown to manager Marco Silva.
The pivotal moment came when Willian’s deliberate handball denied Jadon Sancho a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Referee Chris Kavanagh, following VAR advice, awarded a penalty and sent off Willian, prompting Mitrovic’s intervention.
Disagreeing with the decision, Mitrovic pushed the official and received a red card himself, leaving Fulham with nine players. United capitalized on the numerical advantage, securing a 3-1 victory. Mitrovic’s actions not only affected the outcome of the match but also damaged his prospects of a transfer to United, who had considered him as a potential upgrade in attack.
The subsequent eight-game ban halted all transfer speculation, and Mitrovic’s tenure at Fulham ended with only three more goals before his move to Al Hilal. In contrast, United signed Rasmus Hojlund, who proved to be a successful acquisition, scoring consistently.
Reflecting on the incident, Mitrovic expressed regret for his actions and apologized to referee Chris Kavanagh, acknowledging his lapse in judgment. Despite the setback, Mitrovic has found redemption in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his scoring prowess with an impressive record of 28 goals in 29 games for Al Hilal this season, placing him in contention for the Golden Boot.
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