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#3 Kalvin Phillips | Leeds United
English international Kalvin Phillips has been part of the Leeds United engine room that has propelled them to top-flight football, and is one of the more interesting deep-lying players in the Premier League. Phillips combines a great sense of positional awareness with his high-octane, aggressive style of play to impose himself on opposition midfields.
His ability to cover large spaces in the middle helps Leeds' attack-oriented style of play to succeed, allowing them to commit bodies forward, with Phillips pulling the strings from the middle. He averages 11.5 successful long balls along with 2.49 tackles and 20.7 pressures per 90. His displays have even garnered interest from England manager Gareth Southgate, who handed him seven caps so far.
The 'Yorkshire Pirlo' is the glue that holds Leeds' midfield together and delivered another huge performance to display his quality in their most recent league game against Manchester United at Elland Road. It might be difficult for Leeds to sell their star player to their fierce rivals, but he could prove to be an excellent option for Solskjaer's men.
#2 Wilfred Ndidi | Leicester City
Wilfried Ndidi is, perhaps, the closest Manchester United can find to a specialist defensive midfielder among the players on this list. Ndidi was brought in to add more steel to the Foxes' midfield, but his impact since his arrival has only seemed to grow with every passing game.
The Nigerian international has turned into a monumental player for Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City, constantly winning the ball back with ease and recycling possession in the middle. His ability to screen his defence has benefited them to an incredible degree, affording the likes of Youri Tielemans and their attackers more freedom. He's won 54 of his 84 tackles this season along with 37.5 pressures per 90, which are some of the best figures in the Premier League.
Leicester City demanded a world record fee from Manchester United the last time the two sides negotiated for a player, so it remains to be seen if they can lure Ndidi away from the King Power. Should they manage to do so, however, the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic option to replace Nemanja Matic.
#1 Declan Rice | West Ham
Heading into the summer window, there is no player better suited to Manchester United's requirements in midfield than Declan Rice. The Englishman has been one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League this season and has been at the heart of the Hammers' push for UEFA Champions League football.
The 22-year-old ticks all the right boxes for Manchester United. Rice is a tough-tackling defensive midfielder whose ability on the ball has been excellent so far. The Hammers star's considerable Premier League experience will ensure that the club get a player who doesn't need time to adapt to the league.
He's also shown incredible mentality and leadership in the middle of the park, gradually taking over the captain's responsibilities from club legend Mark Noble. This is a crucial factor that makes Rice an excellent choice, given he could be tasked with replacing one of the most experienced players in the United squad.
Rice has put in a string of incredibly mature displays and will certainly provide some composure to Manchester United's chaotic midfield. The Red Devils are already believed to be in talks for Rice, with Jesse Lingard potentially going the other way as part of the deal. If they do manage to sign him, the physically imposing Englishman would be the most ideal replacement for Matic, and at 22, he is certainly a long-term option for Manchester United.
Also read: 5 Great footballers who played for multiple national teams
