4 potential stars who could replace Paul Pogba at Manchester United

A return that has been riddled with constant clashes with now former boss Jose Mourinho and a string of underwhelming performances, it appears Paul Pogba’s time at Old Trafford is drawing to a very abrupt ending.

While it has been announced that the former Chelsea boss has finally parted ways with United, some fans believe that news is not enough to extend Pogba’s terrible tenure.

Unused at Anfield in Sunday’s 3-1 defeat and now watching from the bench for the last three of United’s Premier League outings, the 25-year-old looks a shell of the player Mourinho splashed £89million on in 2016.

With it heavily speculated Ed Woodward and Manchester United could be looking to cut their losses, former club Juventus and La Liga leaders Barcelona are reportedly keen on acquiring Pogba’s services.

With the likes of Roy Keane calling for Pogba to move on, who are four potential replacements that could fill the World Cup winners void at Manchester United:

 

Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal

With Arsenal still looking intent on letting Aaron Ramsey leave on a free transfer next summer, the Wales international should be a man topping United’s wishlist.

Although the midfielder has managed to earn just 600 minutes of first-team action under new boss Unai Emery, Ramsey is sat third in Premier League assists with six.

At just 27 and many at the Emirates believing that last year’s Player of the Season is just entering his prime, the former Cardiff man has been linked with a string of Europe’s most prestigious sides.

3️⃣5️⃣0️⃣🔴

Congratulations, @aaronramsey 👏 pic.twitter.com/aU6NGeA4kN

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 19, 2018

Establishing himself as a natural box to box midfielder, Ramsey has spent a decade in north London and has helped the Gunners pick up three FA Cups.

A player who has made 249 Premier League appearances and could be available for a cut-price in January, many fans in Manchester would relish the opportunity for Ramsey to replace Pogba in their midfield.

 

Adrien Rabiot – PSG

Another man who could very easily be on the move for a cut-price deal in January is PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Although Thomas Tuchel is desperate to extend the 23-year-olds stay, the Frenchman appears to be determined to force a way out of the capital.

While Rabiot’s contract situation is yet to be resolved at the Parc des Princes, the central midfielder has been a huge part of Les Parisiens’ side, already making 14 appearances.

Adrien Rabiot's mother says the midfielder's time with PSG is coming to an end. pic.twitter.com/Mv2QY3kLRy

— GOAL (@goal) December 19, 2018

Helping PSG win four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, no midfielder holds a better pass success rate than Rabiot’s 92.2%.

Despite a star-studded squad, the six-cap France international has arguably cemented his spot as Tuchel’s #1 choice at the heart of PSG’s midfield.

With Rabiot free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any European side on January 1st, United would be smart to try and tempt the PSG man to Old Trafford.

 

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Lazio

While it has been far from a dream start to the new Serie A campaign for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, many Manchester United fans will be believing that the 23-year-old is the most likely candidate to replace Pogba.

Built in an almost identical stature to the Frenchman and also playing on the left-hand side of Simone Inzaghi’s central midfield trio, it’s easy to see why Milinkovic-Savic has been labeled ‘Serbia’s Paul Pogba’.

Although the 6’4 midfielder has managed to record just one goal this season, his 12 Serie A strikes in the last campaign have only seen his stock rise.

Speculation surrounding Milinkovic-Savic’s potential move to the Premier League has also been intensified by Lazio president Claudio Lotito announcing they would be open to allowing the midfielder to leave for the right price.

Linked with Man Utd, Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic may leave Lazio if the club receives an "offer you can't refuse" in the future. 💰

➡️ https://t.co/N5Itik89OB pic.twitter.com/NJ439BuG3R

— GOAL (@goal) November 20, 2018

Recording more goals than Pogba managed last season, Milinkovic-Savic’s relationship with Serbian teammate Nemanja Matic could also play a part in United’s decision to make a swoop in January.

The duo have formed an impressive partnership in the heart of Serbia’s midfield and their connection could offer United some much-needed chemistry.

 

Miralem Pjanic – Juventus

Although Miralem Pjanic has indicated that he would love Pogba to make a return to the Allianz, Manchester United are reportedly willing to allow the Frenchman to leave, as long as the Bosnian midfielder comes in the other direction.

Now featuring in the Serie A Team of the Year over the last three seasons, the 28-year-old is enjoying yet another eye-catching season out in Turin.

With some now referring to him as the best central midfielder in Italy, only AC Milan’s Suso and Atalanta’s Alejandro Gómez are making more passes per game.

Arguably the most vital part of The Old Lady’s system, it isn’t just his creativity that has seen him gain a long list of admirers, one reportedly being Pep Guardiola.

👏👏👏👏 Four Bianconeri players have been nominated for the 2018 @UEFAcom #TeamOfTheYear:

⚪️⚫ @PauDybala_JR
⚪️⚫ @Miralem_Pjanic
⚪️⚫ @chiellini
⚪️⚫ @Cristiano

Vote now: https://t.co/SPeiy0qHKE pic.twitter.com/ZbM8l6XZst

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) December 10, 2018

Unlike like Pogba who has a growing reputation for his lack of discipline and positional sense, Pjanic offers stability and a wonderful understanding of the game.

Averaging two tackles per game, only his midfield partner Rodrigo Bentancur has made more interceptions than the former Roma man.

While Pjanic would certainly be the most costly of the four potential targets, there is no doubt who the fans in Manchester would like to see brought to M16.

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