“5 Players who can replace Paul Pogba if he leaves Manchester United”

Paul Pogba’s Manchester United career has been a constant rollercoaster since his arrival to the club in the summer of 2016. The 28 year old started his career at Manchester United’s academy at a young age of 14. He played as a striker first due to his above average height and physical ability.

But after moving into the midfield for Man United U-18’s, the Frenchman’s true potential was unlocked. Pogba was then touted as having the potential of being the best midfielder of his generation due to his passing, shooting and defensive ability. Many academy coaches and fans expected him to play a huge part for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United team from a young age but it didn’t quite work out for him.

After making just 3 appearances for the Manchester United first team, Pogba was transferred to Juventus in 2012. It was in Juventus that Pogba became the best young midfielder in the world. Under Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, the French international reached his true potential and won numerous titles and accolades.

Pogba won the Serie A Young Player of the Season award and was elected in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season in 2015 too during his time at Juventus. The French midfielder won the FIFA Young Player of the Year for his performances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

His France National Team career has been nothing short of great as he has won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and also the UEFA Nations League in 2021. However, it hasn’t worked out at Manchester United since joining again. Numerous injuries and inconsistent performances have prevented him from having the impact that was expected from him at the club.

Paul Pogba’s Manchester United contract status overview:

Paul Pogba’s Manchester United contract is ending in the summer of 2022 and the French international is yet unsure whether to extend his current contract at the club or to leave on a free transfer again. The 28 year old’s transfer rumours are talked about every summer since he has joined the Red Devils.

Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is not helping his situation either by openly talking about the Frenchman’s potential exit at every chance he gets. Manchester United have reportedly offered Pogba a lucrative contract but the 28 year old is still unsure if he should sign.

There have been mixed feelings towards from the Manchester United fans as some want the Frenchman gone and others wanting him to stay and be the focal point in turning Manchester United’s misery around. Whether he will sign a new deal or leave will be known during the summer of 2022 but the rumours won’t go away anytime soon.

Top 5 ideal replacements if Paul Pogba leaves Manchester United:

5. Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Ruben Neves is a good shout as a replacement for Paul Pogba if the Frenchman decides to leave Manchester United. The 24 year old is plays as a CDM, a position which Pogba has played for almost all his Man United career.

Neves is still young and is yet to reach his full potential. The Portuguese international has performed brilliantly for Wolves since his arrival to the club in 2017. His deadly range of passing and his goal-scoring ability is second to none and defensively, he is one of the best young players in the Premier League.

Neves has scored fewer amount of goals for the Midlands club as compared to Pogba but the 24 year old will add his defensive approach to the team while Bruno Fernandes handles the attacking side.

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4. Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)

Big clubs from all over Europe are already scouting the young Frenchman, Aurelien Tchouameni. He is a young midfielder who has just come into light this season after his brilliant campaign with AS Monaco in the last 1 year.

Tchouameni is a player who can play as a defensive midfielder as well as an attacking one. The 21 year old brings balance to his team and is regarded as the one to keep an eye on for the future. The Frenchman has already made his debut with the France team and played a superb game against Spain in the UEFA Nations League Final just a few months back.

The 21 year old may not have the numbers and stats to show on his CV but Manchester United would be smart if they bought him as he is surely a future star and has years ahead of him to reach his full potential.

3. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Jude Bellingham might currently be the best youngster in world football. At only 18 years of age, Bellingham is already an established international in a stacked England team and is performing week in-week out at the highest of stages in European football.

Since his arrival at Dortmund, the 18 year old has been a key member of the squad and helped the German club win the DFB Pokal last season. Bellingham is arguably the best player for his club amd country at the moment and there is no stopping this young man.

The frightening part is that the England international is still yet to reach his potential. Bellingham was showed around Carrington training centre by Manchester United before his move to Dortmund in 2020. So Jude is clearly interested in joining the Red Devils in the summer or in the near future.

Also Read: 5 Most Talented Youngsters in Europe Outside of Top 5 League

2. Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Youri Tielemans has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since his arrival to Leicester City from AS Monaco. The 24 year old has made a massive name for himself in both the Foxes’ setup under Brendan Rodgers and also in the Belgium setup under Roberto Martinez.

His attacking output of 20 goals and 22 assists since moving to Leicester City are numbers that would fit perfectly for Manchester United if Paul Pogba left. The Belgian international has a brilliant passing ability and is a proper box-to-box player, something that Pogba has failed to be at Manchester United due to various reasons.

Tielemans is still only 24 years old and is yet to reach his full potential so that is a plus point too. He has massive experience in European competitions as well and can play as a number 6, number 8 or a number 10 for the team.

1. Declan Rice (West Ham United)

If there is one player who will fit perfectly at Manchester United and won’t affect the club in a negative way if Pogba left, then Declan Rice is the player that the Red Devils should sign. Rice is already the captain of West Ham United first team at such a young age and is a born leader.

The 22 year old is already an established England international and plays a huge part for Gareth Southgate’s England team. He is considered to be one of the best midfielders of his generation if he continues playing the way he does.

Rice’s defensive ability is better than Pogba and has a great passing range too. His leadership will also help the Manchester United team a lot and would boost morale. Still only 22 years old, the England international is yet to reach his full potential.

If Manchester United want to start competing with other big clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, then they should sign Declan Rice as soon as possible as a Paul Pogba replacement.

Table for the top 5 ideal replacements for Paul Pogba if he leaves Manchester United:

Rank	Name	Club	Age	Position
5	Ruben Neves	Wolverhampton Wanderers	24	CDM
4	Aurelien Tchouameni	AS Monaco	21	CM
3	Jude Bellingham	Borussia Dortmund	18	CM
2	Youri Tielemans	Leicester City	24	CM/CAM
1	Declan Rice	West Ham United	22	CDM