There’s no China crisis for Mitrovic

NEWCASTLE United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his first goal since September during Serbia’s 2-0 victory over China.

The news that Mitrovic has scored is likely to lead to further calls from some Magpies fans for Rafa Benitez to give the striker greater game time in the coming weeks.

United have scored just 10 goals in 11 Premier League games this season, but Mitrovic is yet to start a single league match.

Instead, Joselu has started nine games in succession but has scored just two goals, while Dwight Gayle was restored to the starting line-up against AFC Bournemouth – though last season’s leading marksman is yet to find the back of the net this season.

Mitrovic, however, now has four goals for club and country this season following his 70th-minute close-range header against China at the Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou yesterday.

China are ranked only 57th in the world though, it must be noted.

Yet the 23-year-old also scored for his country during a 3-0 victory over Moldova in September, while he netted against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and West Ham United in the Premier League during August.

Mitrovic has played for a combined 531 minutes for club and country so far this season – meaning he has a return of a goal every 133 minutes.

Serbia play against in East Asia on Tuesday, when they take on South Korea.

Given that Benitez is often reluctant to start players who have travelled a significant distance during the international break, it seems highly unlikely that Mitrovic will make his first start of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford a week today, however.