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Even though Manchester United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea, it was still clear that the team lack the creativity required to stake a claim for trophies. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has so far opted for Jesse Lingard in the attacking midfield or No. 10 role, a position that the Englishman is not well suited for.
Lingard is good at closing down opponents, providing speed on the counter and implementing a high press, but hasn't shown adequately that he possesses the creative mind required for the No. 10 role. United have subsequently shown a lack of final balls whenever the Englishman has played in the hole.
This is negligible when the Red Devils play on the counter, like against Chelsea, but not all teams will allow United the luxury to break on the counter. Against Wolves on Monday, Solskjaer's team sorely missed that final ball that would break open the defense. While Lingard is still very important for the way the Norwegian wants to play, it is time Solskjaer chose a new candidate for one of the most important roles in the team.
The Red Devils might have missed the opportunity to reinforce the midfield this summer, but Solskjaer still has a couple of names in his team who can play in the No. 10 role and excel. Today, we take a look at the 5 men who could be a better alternative to Jesse Lingard in the No. 10 role at Manchester United.
#5 Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean might be on his way out of Old Trafford, but as he showed in the Copa America, Alexis Sanchez can still be a match winner for his team. His journey with Manchester United has hardly been rosy, but if the Chilean does decide to stay on beyond August, Solskjaer could be tempted to use him in the No. 10 role.
Sanchez is a tireless worker on the pitch and will be very well suited to Solskjaer's pressing tactics. Like Lingard, he can close down the opposition high up the pitch, while with the ball at his feet, Sanchez does have the ability to unleash defense splitting passes. He will be a goal threat himself, but all of that depends on his form. The Chilean has played his best football through the center, but given his recent history, this plan does involve a significant amount of risk.
#4 Andreas Pereira
The Brazilian is very similar to Jesse Lingard in his eagerness to close down the opponents, but Andreas Pereira can also pick out a pass when required. He is quite skillful on the ball, and could play a telling role this season for Solskjaer. However, the Norwegian has opted to use Pereira either in a deeper role, or in the right-wing position. The Brazilian has been decent in both roles, but looks far better while playing closer to the box.
Pereira is blessed with quick feet and is also tenacious on the field, which makes him a good option for the No. 10 role in this team. With the speed and movement ahead of him, Pereira's eye for the final pass could be vital when United try to break down resolute defenses. He would also provide Solskjaer with the steel required through the center while dealing with the opposition counter. And he also has the ability to hit stunning long rangers, which would make him a goal threat as well.
#3 Angel Gomes
The teenager has been one of the most impressive players in pre-season and has been on the fringes of first team action so far. Against Wolves, it was clear that Solskjaer did not have the required personnel in his bench to affect the game and this is where the Englishman could be vital to the Norwegian. Angel Gomes has already been tipped to have an impact for the first team this season and if anything, his performance and solo goal against Tottenham in pre-season should tempt Solskjaer to consider him for the Crystal Palace game this weekend.
The Englishman is very skillful and has the ability to split open defenses with his one touch play. His does know his way to goal, while his passing is also very good. Gomes does represent a degree of uncertainty due to his inexperience, but it is a factor that Solskjaer could use to his advantage.
The Englishman is also quite fast on the pitch, which will suit Solskjaer's pressing style. Angel Gomes deserves at least a place on the bench in this United team, but if he does get a chance, he could surprise everyone by his expertise in creative role.
#2 Juan Mata
The Spaniard is perhaps the only out-and-out No1.0 in Solskjaer's squad right now. Juan Mata can be brilliant in the attacking-midfield role playing in the hole behind the striker; however, his lack of pace makes him somewhat of a liability in Solskjaer's team.
The Norwegian has preferred to use the Spaniard in the right-attacking role, where his talents are somewhat wasted. Maybe, Solskjaer would be better advised to swap positions Lingard and Mata's positions and see how it impacts the team.
While playing behind the striker, Juan Mata can be a menace, especially with his final ball and movement. Even though he lacks pace, the Spaniard is quite tenacious, a quality that has seen him survive four managerial changes at United.
Mata's first touch is exquisite, as is his passing abilities. The Spaniard's vision and creative abilities are comparable with the best in the world and he could utilize the speed of the players ahead of him very well. Mata would also bring much-needed experience in Solskjaer's young team, if the Norwegian decides to give him a chance.
#1 Paul Pogba
Solskjaer's safest bet for the No. 10 role, though, is his talisman, Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has been playing in a deeper role this season, as Solskjaer has attempted to use Pogba's skills and passing abilities to dictate games from deep.
The Frenchman set up two goals against Chelsea from deep, one with an inch-perfect ball from deep and another from a marauding run from the edge of his own box. Against Wolves too, Pogba's most important contribution came when he ventured into the box, winning the penalty from a brilliant use of his feet.
It is clear that in the current United team, Pogba is best suited closer to the box, where his talents would be enough to unsettle even the best of defenses. With the movement of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and either of Jesse Lingard of Daniel James ahead of him, Paul Pogba could be pulling strings all day long, while also becoming the first line of defense when the opposition counter. The Frenchman's ability to score would also be an asset from this position and he would most certainly be a huge upgrade from Jesse Lingard in the No. 10 role.
All that, though, depends on how soon and how well Fred could get going alongside Scott McTominay in the heart of the United midfield.
