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With the season coming to an end yesterday, one team in the top six couldn’t have waited for the season’s end. That team is Manchester United who probably had one of their worst seasons ever.
When Ole Gunnar took over the club sometime in December, he quite managed to stabilize the club for a while and all seemed to have been getting back on track for the giants. But as soon as the aura of excitement came to an end and the dust settled, the holes in the team started to show again.
When they were in top form during Ole’s first few months, it looked like the players were vindicated and Mourinho was the bad man. But, at the moment, with the team performing dismally, it looks like Mourinho was right all along -- the players weren’t committed to the cause.
One player, however, whose commitment nobody can doubt is Ander Herrera. He is the only player who has played with heart this season even when things weren’t going well. But the board never acknowledged him for that and didn’t see a reason to tie him to a new contract early enough.
Now, the Spaniard is certain to leave the club for PSG where he goes to get the kind of contract that should have been a no-brainer for United in the first place. The club now has to scout for the combative Spaniard’s replacement and they have to do it fast.
Here are five perfect prospects that can take over Herrera’s role at Manchester United:
#5 Bruno Fernandes
One name that is coming on of late in Manchester United’s search for a central midfielder is that of Portuguese midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes. The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has had a sterling season and it is no surprise that he is now being linked to numerous big club moves.
Manchester United are in desperate need of someone who can bring the X factor to their midfield and that’s what Fernandes can bring. This season alone, he has had 13 assists in 32 league appearances, from a deep role.
He has 20 goals to his name and will certainly bring in more, were United to bring him to the club. Not only will he fill Herrera’s high-intensity style of play, he will also bring in creativity and goals from midfield, something that United have been lacking for a long time.
#4 Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves is one of the names that Manchester United should consider in their search to replace Ander Herrera. This has been the Portuguese's first season in the Premier League and he has certainly performed quite commendably.
He has been one of the standout midfield performers in the Premier League this season. And judging by how well the Wolves have done this season, the Portuguese midfielder will certainly get a lot of attention from big clubs.
If Manchester United want to replace Herrera with a player who has Premier League experience, then Ruben Neves will be a perfect fit. He’s strong in the tackle, can instigate counter attacks and reads the game well from the midfield. He also keeps up the high intensity in the game which is something that United will lack with Herrera leaving.
Herrera was, at times, used to shutting down opposing danger men and Neves can also do the job in that manner. At just 22 years of age, he will certainly give United years of great service.
#3 Abdoulaye Doucoure
Another player with Premier League experience that United should definitely have a close look at is Doucoure. The French midfielder has been one of Watford’s standout performers ever since he came to the club.
Last season, his great exploits got him the Player of the Year award after he scored 7 goals and 3 assists in the league. He did not let up this season where he managed to score 5 goals and contribute 6 assists in the league. He is certainly ready to make the move up to a club of Manchester United's stature.
Doucoure is a hardworking box to box midfielder who can certainly be of great replacement for the outgoing Herrera. He plays with passion and puts in the work defensively as well which is something that United will certainly need. Also, he will chip in with the goals for the team and he can only get better playing with better players.
#2 Cristopher Nkunku
Another player that can fit in seamlessly in Herrera’s boots at Manchester United is the player that will certainly be considered non-essential once Herrera gets to PSG. That is Christopher Nkunku.
He is a vibrant young player who has massive potential in him, but he is going to be pushed out by PSG’s willingness to always throw money at their problems. At 21 years, he certainly knows that he’s not getting any younger and if he wants game time, he will have to look elsewhere. And what other place than Manchester United can it be? If United can bring him in, they will get a player that has been involved in 5 goals (2 goals and 3 assists) for the French giants from just 13 appearances with 8 from the bench.
In the January market, PSG were unwilling to listen to any offers including loan offer, but now, with them getting Herrera, they look like they will be willing to do business. Of course, he will not come cheap, but he can certainly develop into a huge player at Manchester United.
#1 Nicolo Barella
One of the relatively unknown names on this list has got to be Nicolo Barella. At only 22 years of age, the young Italian is one of the most wanted players today. The Cagliari man is one of the midfielders that United should take a good look at.
Averaging 2.8 tackles per game this season, Barella can certainly bring in the punch to United’s midfield. The player has a release clause on his contract of up to €50 million; United can certainly act fast since most clubs will be after him with the likes of Juve already showing interest.
Even though he won’t bring in goals as some of the midfielders in this list, he will bring in some attributes that will go a long way in replacing Herrera. The combative Italian is certainly not on United fans' lips and with Ole wanting smart signings for the club, he certainly will appear smart enough business.
