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Paul Pogba's stint at Manchester United can only be described as a mixed bag. But having played 26 Premier League games last season, there is no doubt Pogba is a key player at United.
Although Pogba has had several bright moments, such as the UEFA Europa League win of 2017, the fact remains that he has largely failed to meet expectations at Manchester United. With the Frenchman entering the final year of his contract, it seems increasingly unlikely Pogba will extend his contract with the Red Devils.
With interest from other European sides picking up for the Frenchman, let's take a look at the top five replacements for Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
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#5 Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)
Ryan Gravenberch is a player who has garnered a lot of attention from top European team.
Promoted through the Ajax youth system, Gravenberch made his debut in the 2018-19 season at the tender age of 16. Since then, the youngster has made 61 appearances for Ajax, racking up nine goals and seven assists.
The youngest-ever player to represent Ajax, Gravenberch comes with a lot of talent and potential. His tall frame enables him to stand strong in the face of tackles, while also being able to find teammates with ease.
The 19-year-old was recently called up to the Dutch national team in 2020, indicating that his career is certainly progressing well. Gravenberch's style of play closely resembles Pogba's, albeit from a more defensive perspective.
Currently valued at about £30 million, Manchester United will need to act quickly if they wish to sign the youngster.
#4 Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolo Barella has drawn a lot of praise in the last two years. Signed by Inter Milan in 2019, the Italian has been impressive for the Nerazzurri. Considered one of the most promising talents in Europe, Barella has been consistent for both club and country.
Primarily a box-to-box midfielder, Barella certainly shares a very similar profile to Paul Pogba. Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the youngster, but are yet to make any inquiries recently, though.
Barella has an excellent work rate, which should enable him to seamlessly transition into the Premier League should Manchester United go for him. Incredibly versatile, Barella has been used as both an attacking and a defensive midfielder by Inter Milan.
Manchester United could opt for Barella, a talented midfielder, as a potential Paul Pogba replacement.
#3 Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
Saul Niguez is another player who could be a replacement for Paul Pogba at Manchester United. He has been a prominent figure in the Atletico Madrid line-up for over seven years now.
Still only 26, the Spaniard burst onto the scene at Atletico after initially being a part of Real Madrid's youth academy. He has since gone on to feature regularly for Atletico, winning one La Lig, one Copa del Rey and two UEFA Europa League titles.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Niguez has made 337 appearances for the Rojiblancos. So he would be a more defensive replacement for Pogba.
Considering Manchester United have the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay in their ranks who have yet to perform to the levels as expected, Saul could slot in and perform the role Pogba performs for Manchester United.
Manchester United will have to be on their toes should they want Niguez, a Barcelona target, this summer. The 26-year-old is valued at £36 million and would be a great addition at Old Trafford.
#2 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Jack Grealish is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. The Englishman is coming off a fabulous season with Aston Villa and England. The 25-year-old led Villa to an unexpected 11th-placed finish in a season when most people expected the club to fight a relegation battle.
Grealish was a key player for England at Euro 2020 as well. It's easy to see why Grealish's stock has skyrocketed, especially in the last year or so. One of the most talked-about players in England, Grealish has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa.
Many believe the time is right for Grealish, who has been with Villa since 2012, to embark on the next phase of his career. Closely watched by both Manchester City and Manchester United, Grealish looks increasingly certain to join a new club this summer.
With Manchester United recently completing the signing of Jadon Sancho in a big-money move, Grealish's price tag could dissuade them from going for the player, who is priced at upwards of £100 million. Manchester City have reportedly already placed a bid for Grealish.
With the transfer window due to close in a few weeks, it remains to be seen where Grealish lands up ahead of next season.
#1 Eduardo Camavinga (Rennais FC)
Eduardo Camavinga has been on the watchlist of several top European clubs this summer.
Brimming with potential, Camavinga made his senior debut just two years ago. Promoted through Rennais' academy at the age of 16, Camavinga has taken Ligue 1 by storm since then.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Camavinga likes to occupy the space between defence and midfield. Camavinga is renowned for his excellent reading of the game and ability to pick passes quickly.
Linked with several clubs in Europe, Camavinga would certainly be a risky target, considering his inexperience. However, his skill-set is something that is wanted by several clubs, which explains their interest in the youngster.
Despite being young, Camavinga would be a welcome addition at Manchester United. His talent is clear to see, and he evidently has a very high ceiling. Although Camavinga's profile doesn't directly match with that of Paul Pogba, Manchester United could benefit from his defensive prowess behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.
The 18-year-old has a market value of £50 million. So it remains to be seen if Manchester United will opt for the French teenager as a replacement for Paul Pogba.
