French World Cup winner Paul Pogba is free to depart Old Trafford in the summer as his contract is set to expire (Source – Forbes).

With that in mind, Manchester United will be searching the market to find a replacement to fill the void in midfield that will be created if Pogba does leave in a Bosman deal.

Here are four midfielders that could offer something different in United’s midfield.

BOUBACAR KAMARA – OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE

Like Pogba, Kamara will be available for free once the current season ends due to his contract running down.

The French youngster has been in fine form for his club this term and he’d give United more steel in the engine room.

One of Paul’s biggest issues at Old Trafford has been his lack of defensive discipline and that’s cost his team points at various times during his Red Devils career. Boubacar would offer more defensive consistency in the middle of the park.

The midfielder is often committed to the tackle and he’s hard to evade. In Ligue 1 this term he’s averaging 1.4 tackles per game and around 1 clearance too (Stats from Whoscored).

Kamara is also composed and accomplished when in possession. He can handle himself in dribbling situations, has the strength to outmuscle opponents and possesses good ball control. The twenty-two year old is also great when it comes to ball retention, boasting a passing success percentage greater than 89% in the French top flight.

When he’s called upon to be in defensive mode, Kamara is an intelligent operator. United have missed that kind of player in recent seasons.

A youngster that has already made over 100 top flight games, Boubacar Kamara is the type of young player that Manchester United have always shown an interest in.

LORENZO PELLEGRINI – AS ROMA

Italian international midfielder Pellegrini is a very classy player and one who can often spot a defensive splitting pass. Although his passes are more about being creative than being consistent, he makes around 3 key passes per game.

Lorenzo is a very astute star who can play anywhere in central midfield, although he’s often better when attacking the opposition. He also has a keen eye for taking a dangerous set-piece.

The twenty-five year old can often take the ball in his stride and dribble at players. Pellegrini also has the ability to grab goals from midfield, he already has five in his opening thirteen Serie A outings this term. He can finish with either foot.

An extremely accomplished attack-minded midfielder but he will probably cost a fair few bob given his recent contract signing (From ASRoma.com) and he could be seen as a similar type to Bruno Fernandes.

JOHN MCGINN – ASTON VILLA

McGinn is another top all-rounder that may just fit the bill when it comes to a new midfield recruit at Old Trafford.

The Scotland star already knows the Premier League, as he has shone in it in recent seasons. He also has a track record of being a talismanic figure and being a player that rises to every career obstacle that comes his way.

At his best as a dynamic number eight who has been the chance to venture forward. In his sixteen league appearances this year, McGinn has managed to score three and contribute further with two assists.

He’s a very passionate individual and hard to shake off – whether that be off the ball or if he’s tracking an opponent.

John is a very influential midfielder, much like his current boss Steven Gerrard was at Liverpool back in the day. The Scotland international is the only midfielder to feature in the top ten lists for best tackler and most creative.

Speaking of Gerrard, the Villains gaffer has already stated his affection for John McGinn:

John has certainly been one of the most consistent ones over the four games.

“I knew John a little bit before I came through the door, and I knew he’d be the type of player to run through a wall for me.

“The effort, the commitment and the desire, the energy that he gives this team, but not only that he plays with real quality as well.

VIA THE HERALD

Given Gerrard’s obvious love for McGinn and Villa selling Jack Grealish for a huge fee last summer, it will cost United a fair chunk of cash to get John McGinn’s signature.

MARCELO BROZOVIC – INTER MILAN

The Croatian has become a vital component at Serie A champions Inter. Man United should be very interested in him given he too has a contract that expires in 2022.

Brozovic is a composed holding midfielder, who always offers himself to his teammates when in possession of the ball.

Ex-AC Milan midfield man Massimo Ambrosini recently likened Marcelo’s qualities to that of the legendary Andrea Pirlo:

“In terms of his importance and how teammates look for him, Brozovic is like Pirlo,”

“His teammates are always able to find him as a point of reference.”

“His teammates pass with Brozovic so much that he settles everything down,” 

Via Sempre Inter

The twenty-nine year old makes on average over 70 passes per league game and of those he averages a passing success rate of 91.9%!

He offers consistency, maturity and a winning mentality in the middle of the park. Again these are traits Man Utd have been missing for a while.

Brozovic offers as a fine link between defence and attack for both his club and country. He’s used to going deep and picking the ball up from his team’s backline and then play it forward. He has the ability to bring full-backs and wide players into the game.

A player who has all the traits needed to succeed in England and also boost Manchester United’s chances when it comes to continental competitions.

Posted on December 18th, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article