'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United sit at the top of the league table, three points ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool in second-place.
Much of their recent success has been down to the performances of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The 26-year-old has been a game-changing signing, with his leadership, creativity and influence making him an immediate fan-favorite.
He is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League right now, but his midfield partners have often been rotated. Paul Pogba, Fred, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek have all played alongside him, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been unable to find the perfect midfield combination.
Trending
On that note, we look at five midfield partners who would be perfect for Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United.
#5 Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United
There is no love lost between Manchester United and Leeds United, but recent rumors seem to suggest that there might very well be some business conducted between the two clubs.
Manchester United winger Daniel James has been persistently linked with Leeds United, and the Red Devils could look to sign on one of Marcelo Bielsa's players in return. Kalvin Phillips has been a vital cog under the management of the Argentine and has been a fine player for the club.
A product of the Leeds United academy, Phillips has made 192 appearances in all competitions for the club and made his debut for the England national team last year.
The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Aston Villa when he was in the Championship, but a move never materialized. Phillips will be hard to prise away from Leeds and it remains to be seen if the Red Devils stump up the cash for him.
#4 Declan Rice, West Ham United
Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a return to Chelsea, but it would be a surprise if the Blues were the only big club having a look at him.
Rice spent eight years at the Chelsea academy before joining West Ham United in 2014. The midfielder has been a consistent presence for the Hammers since then and has made 129 appearances in all competitions, putting in impressive performances consistently in the past 12 months.
The 22-year-old is capable of playing as a center-back if needed and was an everpresent in the Premier League last season, featuring in all 38 Premier League games and winning the Hammer of the Year award for his contributions.
Manchester United have been linked with the England international, though it has been reported that Rice would prefer to return to Chelsea.
Also Read: 5 players Manchester United should sell in the January transfer window
#3 Denis Zakaria, Borussia Monchengladbach
Borussia Monchengladbach have some talented players in their squad, and Denis Zakaria represents another clever piece of business done by the club.
The Switzerland international joined Borussia Monchengladbach from Young Boys in 2017 for £11 million. The midfielder has been a key player for the club since his debut, with his efficient tackling and dribbling ability catching the eye.
Zakaria has made 106 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach, although he has missed a sizable chunk of the current campaign due to injury.
Both Manchester clubs have been mooted as potential destinations, while Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also said to interested in the 24-year-old.
#2 Manuel Locatelli, Sassuolo
One of the best young midfielders in Serie A right now, Manuel Locatelli looks set to enjoy a bright future in the game.
A product of the AC Milan academy, Locatelli joined Sassuolo in 2018, initially on a loan deal which was made permanent in 2019 for £11 million. It would be fair to say that Sassuolo look set to get a good profit from any potential sale.
The Italy international is a strong passer of the ball and is also astute defensively. Under Sassuolo manager Roberto De Zerbi, he has become a well-rounded player who looks likely to play for one of the bigger clubs in Europe.
Manchester City and Juventus are reportedly tracking the 23-year-old, while Arsenal are rumoured to be interested as well.
#1 Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City
Arguably the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League right now, Wilfred Ndidi would be a good addition to many top clubs across Europe.
Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in January 2017 for £16 million and has gone on to become one of the most important players at the club. Excellent defensively, the Nigeria international can also operate as a centre-back if needed.
The 24-year-old has made 146 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes so far but missed parts of this season due to injury. Leicester City's dependency on him is evident, and given the fees they demanded for Harry Maguire, Riyad Mahrez and Ben Chilwell, Ndidi will not come cheap.
Manchester United have been linked with him, but Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been named as clubs interested.
