Jose Mourinho hails "underrated" Manchester United target Ivan Rakitic

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 March 2019

Jose Mourinho describes Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, as "one of the most underrated players" around.

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has described Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic as "one of the most underrated players in the world".

The Croatia international proved his worth to Barca once again at the weekend as he scored the only goal of the game in their 1-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Despite starting 29 Barca's 33 La Liga and Champions League matches this season, rumours coming out of Spain suggest that the club are looking to bring in another midfielder in the summer, having already struck a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong from Ajax.

Man United are among the rumoured suitors for Rakitic, and Mourinho insists that the club would be getting an all-round midfielder if they can land his signature.

"He's one of the most underrated players in the world," he told beIN SPORTS. "Fantastic in all levels; he defends, he compensates for [Lionel] Messi, he runs and he's sensible with the ball at his feet."

Rakitic joined Barcelona from La Liga rivals Sevilla in 2014 and has gone on to make more than 250 appearances for the Spanish champions.