5 players who could replace Paul Pogba if he leaves Manchester United

Manchester United is a club that used to be in the news for signing superstars, and for winning tournaments. However, at present it is a club that is in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Manager Jose Mourinho's fall-outs with players has become way too common these days, and United have been losing to minnows like West Ham and Brighton. As a result, they find themselves stuck in 8th position - 7 points behind the table toppers.

To add to their misery, Paul Pogba has reportedly threatened to leave Manchester for clubs like Barcelona and Juventus. He is one of their best players, and in the event he leaves, United will fall into a big mess.

There are a few players of his calibre who can be transferred in as replacement, and in this article we shall have a look at 5 such players.

#5 Toni Kroos

There aren't many midfielders who are better than Toni Kroos. The Real Madrid man was linked to The Red Devils in the summer, but those rumours didn't materialise. He is an exceptional player who often starts the counter attacks and has the ability to take stunning free kicks. He is a top quality playmaker, and has many a time assisted the likes of Ronaldo and Bale.

However, this season the German player hasn't recorded any goals or assists, and that is due to the fact that he has played in a deeper role. Recently he expressed his frustration over his new role and says that he wants to play in a more central and attacking role.

If his needs aren't met, he might force the club to sell him, and United will be waiting with their arms wide open.

#4 Frenkie de Jong

Every month or 2, there are a couple of talented youngsters who are linked with a move to a big club, and this time around it is Ajax's Frenkie de Jong. The 21 year old is the talk of the town, and has delivered some solid performances in the recent past. The Dutchman has been linked with several clubs, including the Manchester clubs and Barcelona.

Although he isn't a like-for-like replacement, he can be a great addition as a midfielder who plays deep. This will allow the likes of Fellaini and Fred to go forward and help in the counter attacks.

He can also play as a centre back - a position which has been United's Achilles Heel in the recent past. He is yet to contribute in a goal this season, which is understandable given the fact that he plays in a very deep role.

All stats via transfermarkt

#3 Ivan Rakitic

The former Sevilla skipper has scored a couple of goals this season

The Croat star is an asset to any team, and is one of the most valuable midfielders in the world. However, he is often underrated and doesn't get the credit he deserves.

Mourinho made it clear in the summer that for Pogba to go to Barcelona, they must give Rakitic along with some cash. Apparently, the former Inter Milan tactician is a huge admirer of Rakitic.

He offers a lot of services on the plate, and United wouldn't mind losing Pogba to Barcelona if Rakitic is involved in the deal. He has been linked with a move away, and his style of play could suit the Premier League. Recently, he scored a stunner against Tottenham in the Champions League, and has been in decent form.

The former Sevilla skipper has scored a couple of goals this season, and assisted some number of goals as well. He is facing stiff competition for his place in the team from the likes of Arthur and Arturo Vidal. Even a slight dip in form could see him lose his place, and as a result, he might be open to a transfer.

Also Read: An underrated XI of footballers

#2 Aaron Ramsey

He is pretty much an offensive minded midfielder

The Arsenal midfielder has been linked heavily with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United next summer.

His contract will run out after the completion of the season, and he will be available for free. Contract talks have reached an impasse and it is pretty much guaranteed that he will leave next year.

Moreover, he is open to a move to United, and they will cling on to such an opportunity. He is a box-to-box midfielder, and is a very good replacement for Pogba. He can also play on the flanks or as an attacking midfielder. He is pretty much an offensive minded midfielder, and is the exact type of player the Frenchman is.

The Welsh star has been a key figure for Arsenal in the past decade or so, and if the red half of Manchester can pull him in, he will be of great use. The former Cardiff City player has scored once and assisted thrice this season.

#1 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

He has skyrocketed from being an unknown commodity in football, to being one of the most valuable midfielders on the planet. Lazio's star player has been linked with a move away for 4-5 months now, but nothing substantial has taken place.

The Serbian's physique is daunting and enormous, something that is a necessity to succeed in the Premier League.

The former Genk player was linked with a move to United in the summer, but the price put them off. After that, Milinkovic-Savic extended his contract, but in the modern era contracts are of no importance if a club decides to go all out for a player.

Reportedly, United are in pole position to land the player because of his agent. His agent, Mateja Kezman played for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, and that could be critical in helping them land the world class player.

The former Porto manager was in attendance for Serbia's game against Montenegro, and that sparked speculation that he was scouting Sergej. The player himself responded positively, and that just boosts United's chances of landing him.

Moreover, the presence of a Serbian at United in the form of Nemanja Matic could also tilt him towards Old Trafford. At the moment, it looks like he is headed for The Theatre of Dreams, but nothing can be assured till the beginning of the January window. He has scored once and assisted once this season.

Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.