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Premier League 2018/19 was a dreadful campaign for Manchester United. Despite a poor start to the season under Jose Mourinho, things were expected to change after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as the interim manager for the second half of the season.
Even though the Norwegian boss showed glimpses of improvement through a good run of form, that success was short-lived. The Red Devils ended the season on a disappointing note as they finished 6th in the league. Despite their poor show this season, Solskjaer managed to secure his job and is now working hard towards the rebuilding process at Old Trafford.
After the departure of Ander Herrera, according to reports, Paul Pogba is next on the list to leave Old Trafford this summer. This will create a huge void in the midfield for the Red Devils and the Norwegian manager will have to find suitable replacements.
We look at 3 players that Solskjaer and United could target as the Frenchman's replacement.
1. Youri Tielemans
Unlike many big-name players, Youri Tielemans adapted to the Premier League in no time. Currently touted to be the next big thing in football, the midfielder showcased his talent through some amazing performances during his short loan spell at the King Power Stadium.
The Belgian moved to Leicester City from Monaco on a loan deal in January 2019. The deal proved to be a win-win situation for the player and the club as he made an instant impact with his crucial contributions to the team.
Tielemans along with his midfielder partner, James Maddison, has been the creative source and the central for Leicester’s expansive style of football. Despite playing only one half of the season, the midfielder contributed to 8 goals, scoring 3 and creating 5. Apart from the goals, the midfielder possesses an excellent eye for a pass, good movement with the ball and has a knack for scoring goals.
At just 22, the youngster has already showcased his potential and can prove to be a long term solution for Manchester United’s midfield. With his high work rate along with creativity, he can be the perfect fit in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s system.
2. Christian Eriksen
Tottenham Hotspur had a successful campaign as they secured Champions League football for next season by finishing 4th in the Premier League 2018/19 and ended up as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League 2018/19. Given the fact that they have not signed any player since January 2018, they surely have over-achieved this season.
One player that has been key to their successful campaign is Christian Eriksen. The Dane time and again showed his class and creative supremacy while playing for the London club. The midfielder was the creative genius and mastermind in the middle of the park for his team.
With his excellent technique and vision, the 27-year-old is able to carve out the opposition’s defense to create chances for his players and also score goals. He enjoyed an excellent campaign this season as he scored 10 and created 17 goals this season.
However, the creative midfielder has shown a keen interest in a move away from the White Hart Lane to look for newer challenges and Manchester United should definitely utilize this opportunity and bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
3. James Maddison
Just like Youri Tielemans, his midfield partner, James Maddison also enjoyed a fantastic debut season in the Premier League 2018/19 with Leicester City. The English midfielder moved to the King Power Stadium from Norwich City last summer and has been fine form since then.
The youngster is brilliant with the ball at his feet as he is capable of going past players with ease and at the same time provide incisive passes in the final third. His technical skills, dribbling abilities, and excellent vision make him a big threat in the midfield as he not only dictates the play but has a knack for scoring goals, too.
The 22-year-old contributed to 14 goals, created 100 chances and averaged 2.8 key passes per game this season. Additionally, the midfielder is dangerous from dead-ball situations, making him one of the few true complete midfielders in Europe at the moment.
The 22-year-old is currently one of the best playmakers in the Premier League and holds immense potential to perform and succeed at the highest level of European football.
