3 potential replacements for Paul Pogba at Manchester United

Modified Dec 06, 2019 13:18 GMT

1. Fabian Ruiz (Spain, Napoli)

The Spaniard is another young player who should interest Manchester United. Fabian Ruiz is a versatile and technically gifted footballer who could easily slip into Pogba’s shoes and orchestrate the United midfield. The Spaniard has improved with leaps and bounds in the past few seasons and has developed into one of the hottest properties in Europe. The fact that he is still only 23 will most certainly suit United’s recruitment policy.

Ruiz joined Napoli from Real Betis last season and slowly became a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield. He appeared 40 times for the Serie A side last term and even scored 7 goals. The Spaniard is a skillful midfielder who is also extremely intelligent on the field. A self-confessed fan of Barcelona legend Xavi, Ruiz can read the game very well and can play across the midfield. He is blessed with speed and quick feet, something that would bode very well with Solskjaer’s tactics at United.

Last season, when compared to Pogba, the Spaniard came out top on every front except assists. Ruiz averaged 2.3 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game and was one of the most creative players of the Serie A. He also averaged 2 tackles per game, which shows that he is defensively quite sound. This season, the Spaniard is averaging 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game.

If Manchester United do want to replace Pogba, they need not look any further than Ruiz. He will perhaps be the cheapest of the three in this list but would no doubt be an excellent player to take charge of the United midfield.

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Edited by Sai Teja