Paul Pogba is now getting closer to a move away from Manchester United. Pogba’s recent comments while on international duty have largely hinted towards his imminent exit and the Frenchman’s tenure could end in the summer. The 29-year-old has been at the club for six years since arriving for a world-record fee at that time, i.e. for £89million.

The midfielder has largely struggled to perform after his first season at Old Trafford. He won the Europa League and the Carabao Cup under Jose Mourinho in the first season. However, things changed in the second season when the Frenchman fell out with the Portuguese manager and mentioned that he suffered from depression then.

Paul Pogba is currently struggling to even make the starting XI at Manchester United. He was once regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, which is why United signed him. This is what the Frenchman told Le Figaro (via Manchester Evening News) about his time with the Red Devils and comparing his role in the French team:

“You have to be honest, these last five seasons have not satisfied me — really not at all. This year is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it’s with Manchester United or another club, I want to win trophies. It’s simple with France, I play and I play in my position — I know my role and I feel the confidence of the coach and the players. It’s normal to feel a difference at Manchester United because it’s hard to be consistent when you often have a change to your position, or the team system, or your [midfield] partners.”

“I get along very well with [France manager Didier Deschamps], he gave me a role that I know — but at Manchester United do I really have a role? I ask the question, but I don’t have an answer.”

Three Players Who Could Replace Paul Pogba At Manchester United

Declan Rice

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder is one of the most highly regarded players in England. Declan Rice has been the driving force in midfield for West Ham in recent seasons. Thanks to him, the Hammers are enjoying their best performances in years.

Moreover, he also plays in a position where United have struggled for the past few years. However, he could cost United a fortune as he is one of the core players at West Ham and he is English. Nevertheless, he will be totally worth it if a deal takes place.

Jude Bellingham

Manchester United wanted to sign the Birmingham youngster before he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020. At just 18 years of age, Jude Bellingham is already one of the best players for both club and country and is deemed as a highly coveted prospect.

His maturity is that of a seasoned player but he hasn’t even reached his peak yet. He can thrive in United’s midfield for many years to come. However, it could cost the Red Devils quite a fortune. Also, other objectives should also be present at Old Trafford to snatch him away from Dortmund.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Almost every club in Europe have their eyes on Aurelien Tchouameni after a successful first season with AS Monaco. The 21-year-old midfielder is versatile in playing both – as a defensive midfielder and also as an attacking midfielder. He has very similar characteristics to that of Paul Pogba and Manchester United could profit from this situation. He will be a long-term signing and the player is yet to hit his peak.

Who Should Manchester United Sign This Summer To Replace The Departing Frenchman?

All three of the players have very high price tags, with none having a valuation less than €70million. The Red Devils will have to cash on all the money they will save from letting Pogba go. He will be a free agent this summer and United will not get any transfer fee. The club will have to collect funds from other player sales and may need some investment from the owners.

Jude Bellingham has committed to Dortmund and won’t be considering his future until 2023. This removes him from the transfer list for now but the deal is not off yet. Fans will certainly like Declan Rice playing at the centre of the midfield, guarding the United defense. Although United do need a DMF, Declan Rice could cost them a lot more which could compromise their aim of signing other players. Another DMF available at a cheaper price would be Ruben Neves from Wolves.

See More:

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This only brings us one option, Aurelien Tchouameni. The 21-year-old Frenchman will be a like-for-like replacement for Paul Pogba. He brings a similar skill set to that of Pogba and is yet to experience his peak form. Tchouameni can play even as a holding midfielder or as a number 10. This helps United in two sections as Tchouameni will provide the work rate to defend and will also create the necessary chances with his attacking prowess.

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