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Manchester United head into the summer transfer window on the back of a promising 2020-21 campaign which saw them finish second in the Premier League table. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side finished twelve points behind champions Manchester City but accumulated eight more points than they did during the 2019-20 season.
Manchester United, however, had endured a dismal start to their 2020-21 season as they lost three of their opening four home league games. Many believed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be shown the exit door and that the Red Devils had lined up former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino as a replacement
The 20-time Premier League champions, however, enjoyed a massive up-turn in form. Manchester United were at the top of the Premier League table in February and were the favorites to clinch the title. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side failed to maintain consistency and opted to switch focus to the Europa League.
United made it to another cup final under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but once again failed to produce the good when it mattered most. This led to the squad and its manager coming in for harsh criticism at the end of the season.
United lacked options in attack and midfield towards the end of the season and were in dire need of a top-quality centre-half to partner Harry Maguire.
Having completed the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund last week, Manchester United have switched their focus to securing the signature of a defensive midfielder. Teenage sensation Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as a top target for Manchester United this summer.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects in European football. The Red Devils will, however, face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona for the Frenchman's signature, and could therefore have to line-up alternatives for the Rennes midfielder.
On that note, let's take a look at 5 alternatives to Eduardo Camavinga for Manchester United
#5 Ilaix Moriba, Barcelona
The 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder is experiencing a rise to fame similar to that of Eduardo Camavinga. Ilaix Moriba spent a season-and-a-half with Barcelona B before being promoted to the Catalan side's first team last season by Ronald Koeman.
Moriba went on to make eighteen appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season. He is currently part of a core group of youngsters along with the likes of Pedri, Ansu Fati, Frenkie De Jong and Sergino Dest that are viewed as the future of the club.
Moriba has, however, failed to renew his contract with Barcelona and has therefore not received a call-up for pre-season training from the club. This has led to speculation that the youngster could leave Camp Nou this summer.
Manchester United are rumored to be reading a €20 million bid for Moriba. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a massive proponent of signing and giving youngsters a chance during his reign as Manchester United manager.
The Norwegian is eager to build a squad for the future and could view Moriba as Manchester United's midfielder for the next decade.
#4 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been one of the standout performers in Serie A, a player who has consistently been linked with a move to Manchester United over the years, the Serbian was once upon a time viewed as the ideal replacement for Paul Pogba.
As the Frenchman continues to be linked with a move to Juventus and PSG, Manchester United could finally look to sign the 26-year-old. Milinkovic-Savic enjoyed an impressive 2020-21 campaign with Lazio as he scored eight goals in 32 league appearances for the Italian side.
Milinkovic-Savic's flair and physical presence make him the ideal signing for Manchester United. The midfielder was once valued at £80 million by Lazio.
The Italian club, however, are suffering financially and could reduce their asking price for Milinkovic-Savic to lure potential suitors.
#3 Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers
One of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League over the years, Ruben Neves endured a difficult 2020-21 campaign with Wolves. Wolves finished fourteenth in the Premier League table, and parted ways with Nuno Espirito Santo.
This has led many to believe that a number of star players at the club such as Ruben Neves, Adama Traore and Joao Moutinho could seek a move away from the club.
Ruben Neves has often received interest from the Premier League's 'top six' and is a potential target for Manchester United this summer.
Scott McTominay and Fred's inability to produce the goods with the ball at their feet, or provide creativity and goals from midfield has led Solskjaer to target the signing of a ball-playing midfielder.
Ruben Neves' vision, passing range, creativity, set-pieces and eye for a spectacular goal make him the perfect player for Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder could be available for as little as €40 million this summer.
#2 Yves Bissouma, Brighton & Hove Albion
Yves Bissouma has quickly become one of the most sought-after midfielders in English football this summer. Despite Brighton finishing sixteenth in the Premier League last summer, the club have managed to produce a number of promising talents including Yves Bissouma, Tariq Lamptey and Ben White.
Yves Bissouma's work-rate, tackling and eye for goal has the caught the attention of a number of England's top clubs. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Liverpool and, most recently, Manchester United.
Bissouma would be the ideal replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fred, who has struggled to live up to his £50 million price tag since joining Manchester United. Brighton are reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £40 million for Yves Bissouma.
#1 Declan Rice, West Ham United
The West Ham midfielder was without a doubt one of the most impressive players in the Premier League last season and was a standout performer for England at Euro 2020.
Since making his debut for West Ham in 2015, Declan Rice's stocks have soared. Chelsea were linked with a move for the midfielder last summer, but refused to meet West Ham's £70 million asking price.
Rice is expected to make the move to one of the Premier League's top clubs in the near future, and has reportedly rejected the chance to extend his contract with West Ham this month.
The midfielder's passing, aggression and ability to carry the ball forward has led to him being compared to Manchester United legend Michael Carrick. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly a massive fan of Declan Rice.
Reports have suggested that Manchester United are willing to offer Jesse Lingard plus cash to West Ham in exchange for Declan Rice.
