4 Possible replacements for Paul Pogba at Manchester United

Amid interest from Real Madrid and Juventus, Paul Pogba has hinted that his future lies away from Manchester United as the French midfielder seeks a new challenge. The 26-year-old has dominated the headlines this summer, wanting a move away from England- with Spain being his likely destination.

The Frenchman's three-year spell at Old Trafford was full of speculations, with him garnering a barrage of rumors linking him with a host of top European sides.

But this summer, Pogba is pushing for a move away from Solskjaer's side, with a question mark over United's potential to challenge for major trophies in the near future and a possibility to work with his idol Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Pogba was Manchester United's best player last season as he scored 13 goals and notched up nine assists in the Premier League.

Despite his impressive stats, Pogba was highly criticized due to the inconsistency in his performances, with a majority of scoring done from the penalty spot.

With much said about Pogba's move away from the Theatre of Dreams, let's take a look at potential candidates who could replace the wily midfielder.

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#4 Youri Tielemans (AS Monaco)

Leicester City v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Youri Tielemans regained confidence during his loan spell at Leicester City- after a disappointing first half of 2018/19 season at AS Monaco. His industrious performances in Foxes' midfield has caught the eyeballs of eminent Premier League teams.

The 22-year-old is a powerful box-to-box midfielder and his darting runs into the opposition's box provides a different attacking dimension. Tielemans took 2.4 shots and made 1.2 key passes per game. Solskjaer was impressed by his attack-minded midfield style and is interested in signing the Belgian.

In addition to his attacking contributions, Youri works equally hard team's defensive phases and his average of 5.8 ball recoveries and 1.3 tackles per game provides a perfect picture

The Belgium international is not as prominent as Pogba in the attack- still registered three goals and four assists in his 13 league matches. Tielemans is an able orchestrator, making close to 50 passes in every PL outing which includes 3.4 accurate long balls- a vital tool in the English game.

According to reports in the Belgian media, Manchester United have made a contact for Youri Tielemans amid interest from Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur. There could be major developments in this story if Pogba does get his move away from Old Trafford.

#3 Sean Longstaff (Newcastle United)

Sean Longstaff is termed as the new Michael Carrick by the English media.

Sean Longstaff has made rapid strides in the Premier League after earning promotion into Newcastle's senior side. The English youngster fixed his spot in Magpies' midfield and made nine Premier League appearances last season.

The 21-year-old owns a different set of attributes to Paul Pogba- being a combative presence in the middle of the park and progressing the ball forward from the deeper areas. He played under Rafa Benitez's rigid formation and still managed to average 32 passes per game and his long balls were frequently picked out by Solomon Rondon in the final third.

Longstaff also regains possession in midfield, recording over five recoveries per game last season with 10 interceptions and 17 tackles in his nine games for the Toons. United have lacked a metronome in their side, who could pull the strings from a deeper position and recycle ball-possession.

Ole is said to be interested in the English youngster and the reports suggest that United could push for his signature this summer but Newcastle is set to play the hard-ball.

#2 Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis)

Giovani Lo Celso impressed in Real Betis colors last season.

Giovani Lo Celso started his career as an attacking midfielder at PSG- operating behind the striker or in the wider areas. But a switch to Real Betis saw the youngster operate from a deeper role, transforming him into an enforcer.

The 23-year-old has a vivid passing range, capable of finding teammates between close spaces, also using his vision to pick out teammates through the lines, making 44.5 passes with 1.3 long balls per league game last season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants dynamic players at United who could implement a fluent attacking football and Lo Celso has the mobility and required flair to flourish in the Norwegian's system.

The Argentinian garnered nine goals and four assists in La Liga last season and induced 2.1 fouls per game. Giovani's stats suggest that he could bring much-needed intensity to the Red Devils' side.

To add fuel to the fire, Marca suggested that Manchester United will rival Tottenham for Giovani's services.

#1 Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP)

Bruno Fernandes has enjoyed a prolific 2018/19 season for Sporting Lisbon

Bruno Fernandes has become one of Europe's most sought-after players after his high-yielding season for Sporting CP- racking up 20 goals and 13 assists in Liga NOS. Not only does he contribute in the attack, but the 24-year-old also works hard in performing his defensive duties, making 1.7 tackles per game.

The Portugal international is a versatile operator- capable of playing behind the striker, on the flanks, and as a defensive shield.

Manchester United have lacked the intensity and required tempo in their recent games. Fernandes is a tenacious midfielder and his ball-retention abilities will surely help Ole's side in sustaining their attacks.

According to The Independent's coverage on United transfers, Old Trafford chiefs are preparing the first bid for Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is the closest to Paul Pogba in terms of attacking and his flair could excite United fans next season.