The biggest story in football this week was the announcement made by Mino Raiola that Paul Pogba was “done” with Manchester United. The Frenchman has had a love-hate relationship with Manchester United ever since his return to England and is now set to look for new pastures in the upcoming transfer windows.
His contract expires in 2022, and United still have a fair bit of time to prepare for the departure of the star player. However, they already have a replacement in the heart of the park for Pogba. And his name is Donny Van de Beek.
The Ajax star joined the club this summer alongside Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani as one of the three major first-team signings made by the club. So far this season, the Dutch midfielder has found playing time at the Old Trafford hard to come by and has mostly been found on the bench.
Considering his attacking prowess, he could operate not only alongside Bruno Fernandes as another number 10 but also on the right-hand side when the club need some inspiration from an unpredictable source.
Despite the news surrounding his future at the club, Pogba has been included in the starting XI by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against not only RB Leipzig in the Champions League but also the Manchester derby against City.
The move promises a big sum of money for Manchester United and will ease up the burden on the books as well. This could open up the possibility to not only invest in a new centre back but also in a defensive midfielder who could act as the anchor while Van de Beek and Fernandes supply the attackers.
His versatility allows him to operate as a number 8, or 6 as required and can come back to defend as well. This could make United more defensively resolute going forward as well.
