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In an otherwise lackluster season for Manchester United, their midfield linchpin Michael Carrick has been one of the few bright spots. The Englishmans ability to pick a pass and stop menacing counter attacks means that he has been the first name on the team sheets for the past few years now.Carrick, who turns 33 in the summer, is in the twilight of his career. And although his game doesnt depend on pace and agility, and could conceivably go on for at least a few more years, United fans will be hoping to find a suitable long term replacement for their metronomic midfield maestro in the summer.Here are five players who could potentially replace Carrick in the foreseeable future and ensure that the transition is seamless.
#5 Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
The 24-year-old Dutchman is the kind of tough tackling, precise passing and goal-hungry central midfielder that United have been crying out loud for since the departure of Roy Keane almost a decade ago. Whilst he scores his fair share of goals and is always there in the right place at the right time, what makes him so valuable is his super-human levels of concentration.
The number of times the Dutchman has nipped an attack in the bud have been crucial to Roma’s success this season. That, coupled with his high endurance levels, making him one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe at the moment. And although he just moved to the Italian club, should United come calling, it would be hard for him to refuse.
#4 Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)
Already in double digits in both goals and assists this season, Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic has arguably been one of the best players this season in La Liga. Aged just 25, the Croatian midfielder is highly versatile and can play as either a number 10 or a deep lying playmaker. The Sevilla captain is one of the main reasons why the club is on the verge of clinching a Champions League spot.
Whilst his abilities on the ball, has never been in question, it is his ability off the ball, and in leading his side that sets the Croatian apart. With an eye for a pass and a very good goal scoring record, Rakitic has proven himself to be a world-class central midfielder, one that Moyes could very well do with, in the summer.
#3 Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
If it is a combative, box-to-box goal scoring midfielder that United are looking out for, there aren’t too many better than Arturo Vidal. The 26-year-old Chilean midfielder has been one of the mainstays of the midfield at Juventus over the recent seasons. United have been considering Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio last summer, but it is the younger Vidal, that they should be looking to sign.
Averaging almost a goal every two games, the Chilean has a better goal scoring record than many strikers this season. That, coupled with his robust tackling and his wonderful passing range, makes him a top priority for Moyes if he is looking at a replacement for Carrick this summer.
#2 Marco Verrati (Paris Saint-Germain)
To nail down a starting spot at one of the richest clubs in the World is one thing. Doing that at merely 21 is quite something else. Marco Verrati has done just that, by quickly establishing himself amidst a galaxy of stars. The young Italian midfielder, has already been touted as the long-term replacement for Andrea Pirlo, and many believe that at this rate, he might even replace him at this summer’s World Cup.
The diminutive dynamo, who often plays as a defensive midfielder, also has a penchant for picking the perfect pass at the perfect time. His ability to dribble his way out of tight spot, coupled with his tenacious tackling makes him one of the most versatile midfielders anywhere in Europe.
Whilst he might not be cheap, at just 21, he has all the makings of a midfielder around whom United can build for the future.
#1 Paul Pogba (Juventus)
The man that would be a perfect replacement for Carrick, the same man the club let go in the summer of 2012. The Frenchman has gone on to fulfill the potential, which he exhibited sporadically at United. At just 21, Pogba would be the perfect long-term investment for United, who are in the market for a midfielder, capable of not just spraying the passes, but scoring goals as well.
Already a Serie A and U-20 World Cup winner with France, Pogba has demonstrated he has what it takes to shine at the highest level. And if Moyes is to get back on track at United, he might well start by correcting, arguably one of Sir Alex’s biggest mistakes, by re-signing the prodigiously gifted youngster.
