Manchester United had scouts watch centre-back Nikola Milenkovic and midfielder Mattias Svanberg in Serie A action on Sunday, according to a report.

The Red Devils are facing a pivotal transfer window as they look to transition again from a change of manager. Whoever steps in to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick has a sizeable job on their hands to drive progress at Old Trafford.

A Premier League top-four finish is still possible with United in fifth. However, Arsenal in fourth have three games in hand and subsequently control over the race.

Nevertheless, United are reportedly eyeing three major new signings in the summer. They want a new defender, a new defensive midfielder and a top-class striker.

What’s more, club chiefs do not feel worried about the prospect of no Champions League football affecting their chances.

According to Calciomercato, Man Utd sent officials to watch Fiorentina’s 1-0 win over Bologna on Sunday.

While there, they watched Fiorentina’s Serbia international centre-back Milenkovic. The 24-year-old is reportedly a long-term target for Red Devils chiefs in their hunt to bolster their defence.

However, United also watched Bologna’s Sweden midfielder Svanberg. The 23-year-old was firmly on Rangnick’s radar when the German was at RB Leipzig, but the pair never came together.

As a result, Rangnick is now leaning United towards a move for Svanberg. The midfielder, who moved to Bologna from Malmo in 2018, has played in all-but one Serie A game this term.

Milenkovic, meanwhile, has made 24 Serie A outings this term and both players are starring for their respective clubs.