5 players who can replace Paul Pogba at Manchester United

Watching football and following player transfers over a period of time has taught us many things. Whenever you hear the phrase "you never know what will happen in the future" from a player in relation to a transfer speculation, you know the countdown has started for their departure.

Something similar has happened with Paul Pogba when in a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, he hinted towards a future away from United. All this with a backdrop of a tense relationship with manager Jose Mourinho, and a summer of interest from Barcelona.

We look at the 5 players who can replace Pogba at United if he moves, which is quite likely given the current turn of events:

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#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio): A like for like replacement

Sergej is probably the most similar to Pogba in all facets

How do you replace one box-to-box midfielder with a dominant stature and wonderful playmaking ability? With a similar player of course. We are talking about none other than Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, whose attributes are perhaps the closest to Paul Pogba's.

The Serbian international announced himself to the world with scintillating performances in Serie A with Lazio. Milinkovic-Savic is physical, good at picking out his teammates with early through balls and is proactive in the defensive phases of play.

His only weakness would be his average pass completion rates, which can be worked on given his relatively young age of 23.

#4 Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich): The change in style

The Spanish playmaker can make the difference at United

Another approach United can take is to change the profile of the player completely and go for a highly technical player instead of a box-to-box midfielder.

Thiago Alcantara springs straight to mind as a player who could be available at the right price. The Spaniard can bring the much-needed technical prowess on the ball which has been sorely lacking at Old Trafford in the past few years.

Thiago could become a crucial player in breaking down stubborn defences as well as speeding up the transitions with his impressive range of passing and dribbling abilities.

The only issue would be his injury record, as he has not been able to have a consistent string of starts for the Bavarians. But in any case, a risk worth taking.

#3 Youri Tielemans (Monaco): The Belgian Prodigy

AS Monaco's star could be the next playmaker for United.

The youngest member of the Belgian squad at World Cup in Russia 2018, Youri Tielemans is still 21 despite feeling like being around for quite a few years.

Ever since making his debut at the age of 16, he has impressed the biggest of clubs around Europe, first with Anderlecht and now with French giants Monaco. Touted as the future of Belgian football by manager Roberto Martinez, the midfielder is well known for his long-range shooting, impressive passing and overall athleticism.

Having no prior experience of the Premier League and a sudden change in tempo from his previous leagues might hamper immediate impact, but he is surely one to base the team around in the future.

#2 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wolves): The Mendes connect

Wolverhampton Wanderers's talisman might be on the move soon.

Ex-Porto captain, current Portugal international and the latest talent to be a part of the galaxy of stars in the Premier League, Ruben Neves might be ready for a big move by the time Paul Pogba moves on next year.

With his impressive central midfield play and excellent long-range passing abilities, he could be one player that United should look to take a gamble on. The midfielder who ran the Wolves midfield in the Championship has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, highlighting his class.

After an excellent showing in a 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City just before the international break, his stock is on the rise. Yet compared to the other alternatives, he still lies on the cheaper side.

#! Adrien Rabiot (PSG): The cheeky scoop

One of the most talented bargains out there

A surprise name in the list given his increasing links to Liverpool, but latest reports suggest the Reds are in no mood to sign the French starlet. Not surprising given their midfield acquisitions this summer.

Rabiot is available for a free in 2019 and the correct approach might land Jose Mourinho's men one of the more talented midfield dictators of the future for peanuts. Effortless and graceful on the ball, Rabiot possesses an aggression which is often underrated. All in all, he is one of the most complete players of his age group.

Whether the logistics of the move can be a reality is still for anyone to guess, he is a talent worth having in the red half of Manchester for sure.