Manchester United have always had a strong passer of the ball in their teams. Looking through the Alex Ferguson era, we had Paul Scholes. There are literally no words that you describe Scholes' ability when on the ball. He could dink, dribble and find a pass. Many of United's current crop of players learning passing from Scholes but for one player – who on his day is just as good in his passing as the historic Englishman before him.
I'm talking of course about United's current pass master, Michael Carrick. The current English pass maestro has been a mainstay at Old Trafford whenever fit for he can, just like Scholes, dictate a game and carve open opposition defences.
Yet, the Englishman – who was dropped by his national team for their recent friendlies – is getting old and his influence on the game is reducing. The club are usually tasked with playing a box-to-box midfielder next to him just to ensure they can help Carrick on defensively and allow him to attack freely for when he has that freedom, he thrives.
Here's looking at five players who could effectively take over Carrick's role at Manchester United
#5 Ilkay Gundogan
Easily one of the best passers on the planet, Ilkay Gundogan is an exceptional player capable of playing across the midfield either as an attacking option or as a deep-lying playmaker. At Borussia Dortmund, he's mainly used as the latter. Alongside a strong and imposing central midfielder, Gundogan can do wonders for any team.
This season, he has an incredible 87.9% pass completion rate with an average of 83.6 passes per game. That's amongst the highest in Europe excluding Barcelona and Arsenal players. The German also has the knack of getting into the box late and scoring vital goals.
At Manchester United, alongside the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Gundogan would excel linking up with the likes of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial.
#4 Geoffrey Kondogbia
Geoffrey Kondogbia is one of the brightest midfield players to come out of France in recent years. He's tall, he's quick and he's got the physique of the kind of player who can dominate in the air.
Kondogbia is the kind of player who enjoys a physical challenge. Combine that hunger for driving forward along with his natural ability and you have yourself the perfect midfielder a team dreams of having. At 23, he has his best years ahead of him and is capable of cementing a legacy at Old Trafford.
With an 86.9% successful pass percentage, Kondogbia will do well to set his team on the counter. His biggest strength, however, is his tackling putting in an average of 2.6 successful tackles per game. Those long legs and his speed will help him and Manchester United – if they sign him – for a long time.
#3 Kevin Strootman
Kevin Strootman has long been a Manchester United target. The Dutchman has been an exceptional player for AS Roma until injury struck and kept him on the sideline for months together. A combination of speed, physicality, and persistence places him in an elite bracket that has players who can break and start attacks.
If not for his injuries, Strootman would have already been a Manchester United player. Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge fan of the player and could have signed him back then but with the injuries the Dutchman has endured in recent years, he's been on the sidelines for longer than he's been on the pitch.
He's back to the first team this season famously citing he 'feels like a footballer again' and will look to help AS Roma as they chase down Juventus in the Serie A title chase. At Manchester United, Strootman is the perfect kind of player who can sit behind Mata, Herrera and Rooney breaking down play and setting up counter attacks.
#2 James Ward-Prowse
One of the most underrated midfielders of the season, Ward-Prowse has been sensational for Southampton and is yet another talent who has come through their ranks to shine with the first team. Still only 21, Ward-Prowse will most certainly join a top team and flourish.
Ward-Prowse is an incredible passer of the ball and has the spatial awareness of a pure attacking midfielder. While he can create chances for his teammates, his ability to double back and defend is hugely helpful for any team. His successful pass percentage of 83.7% stands out as one of the best in the Saints side.
His age and nationality will be a huge asset for Manchester United who are crying out for an English mould of midfielder in the centre of the field and Ward-Prowse looks like the kind of player who could take on the mantle some of the best midfielders have donned.
#1 Marco Verratti
Easily the best midfielder in France at the moment, Marco Verratti is a target for all of Europe's big clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and more. They all want him and considering the kind of season he's had this year and the last, it seems almost obvious.
Of all the midfielders on this list, Verratti has the highest pass percentage of 93.4% eclipsing everyone else. The fiery Italian – despite his height – is a class act in the centre of the field with his burst of pace and willingness to get the ball back when lost.
He can either play as a lone central midfielder or can partner with a more attacking midfielder. He's only 23 and is growing and getting better with every game. If Manchester United are to lure him away from the Parc des Princes, he will cost a fortune but from the bigger picture, will be a signing that would be worth it – much like the investment on Anthony Martial.
