United U21s get set for trophy bow
JAMIE Redknapp believes Aleksandar Mitrovic could be key to Newcastle United’s battle against relegation this season, if he gets his head straight.
Saturday’s win over West Ham showed the best and worst of the striker as he scored the Magpies’ third goal, but only after an off-theball incident with Manuel Lanzini in which he appeared to deliberately elbow the Hammers forward.
Redknapp, speaking in his Daily Mail column, says he believes Mitrovic can be an asset, as long as he channels his passion in the right way.
He wrote: “How do you solve a problem like Aleksandar Mitrovic? He is far too good to not be in Newcastle’s team, but for every moment of brilliance — such as his goal against West Ham — there is danger that he will get sent off.
“Mitrovic is a battering ram and a brave forward who will score goals. But his stupidity often outweighs his undoubted quality.
“There are some players who never learn, but if Mitrovic gets his head right, he can be the key to Newcastle staying in the Premier League.”
Mitrovic’s elbow was the focus of analysis on Match of the Day on Saturday evening.
Pundit Phil Neville was in no doubt that Mitrovic should face retrospective action. He said: “He’s in big trouble. “It’s a red card. It’s nasty, violent, and I can’t understand it. At 2-0 up, (Newcastle were) cruising.
“That’s a deliberate act, similar to (Marko) Arnautovic last week at Southampton. No need to do it. It’s dangerous play, and not needed on the football pitch.”