Manchester United Have Droped Mitrovic From Their Transfer Targets After His Red Card Saga

Manchester United have changed their mind on signing Aleksandar Mitrovic after his shocking red card for shoving a referee, according to reports. Fulham striker Mitrovic was sent off in his side's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford last week after barging into official Chris Kavanagh, who instantly showed him his marching orders.

The Cottagers - who were 1-0 up at the time after the Serbian star's opener - then saw Willian also receive a red for a goal-line handball, with manager Marco Silva sent off as well for his protestations. The FA have charged Mitrovic with violent conduct and he could face a lengthy ban. In 1998, Paolo Di Canio received an 11-game ban for pushing over ref Paul Alcock and Mitrovic's punishment could be similar, meaning he could miss the rest of the campaign.

And according to the Daily Star, the 28-year-old's actions will not only cost him a potential ban - but also a big-money move to United. They state Mitrovic, who has 12 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, was on a summer shortlist of targets for Erik ten Hag's side, with the club keen to strengthen up front.

However, a potential ban keeping him out for the rest of the season would deny him the opportunity to impress interested clubs.

European giants Barcelona and Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham are also eyeing up a move, add the Star. But United - perhaps wary of signing a red-card risk whose ban may even continue into next season - are now said to have dropped their interest.