Manchester United are on the verge of completing the world record signing of French sensation Paul Pogba or at least they have been on the verge for a while now. Jose Mourinho is understood to be desperate to land the midfielder this summer to add to his already star-studded United squad to help him in his adventure at Old Trafford next season. The Juventus midfielder is set to cost the Premier League outfit more than £100m and has raised plenty of eyebrows for his price tag. Though he has enough years left in his contract in Italy, Pogba is over-priced (at least that is what the general consensus is) and it has time and again been said that Mourinho can look at cheaper alternatives. Of course, they do have the money, but considering the massive fee, Pogba will fall under pressure to perform which could affect his performances.
So can the new manager at Old Trafford afford to miss out on Pogba this summer? Does he have enough players in the transfer market to comb through for his spot in the next season? Here are 3 players who United can purchase at a part of the price at which Pogba is being purchased.
Blaise Matuidi (PSG)
Matuidi was one of the best midfielders in France in the previous domestic season. He made 39 appearances for PSG in all competitions and managed to pick up 6 goals and 6 assists helping his side to their third consecutive League 1 title. He is a strong player who is known for his holding abilities while his defensive contributions are his biggest assets. But Matuidi is far from a defensive midfielder.
He has great vision and technique that allows for the smooth transition from defence to attack and he will be a good suit for the English style of play. He is linked with a move to Juventus, probably as a replacement to Pogba which shows that he could have been a decent option for Mourinho next season.
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Already linked with a reunion with the former Chelsea boss, Cesc Fabregas, who is expected to play a big role under Antonio Conte at the Bridge can be another option for United next season. Though the Spaniard does not have as many years as Pogba has in front of him, he will cost a portion of what the Frenchman will cost United this summer. Fabregas is an extremely experienced midfielder who thrives on creating chances for his side from the midfield.
He is arguably one of the best midfielders at the moment in England and though he was out of form in the last season, he has shown glimpses of his talent and is a good fit for United. He can have the free role in midfield that will allow him to connect defence to attack and he will surely be a great asset for the Old Trafford outfit next season.
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Though not officially up for sale, Real Madrid are said to be looking at possible additions to the squad that has seen the German international linked with a move away from the club. Kroos was impressive in his outing with the national team in Euros just a month after helping Real Madrid lift their 11th Champions League title and is one of the most attractive midfielders in the transfer window.
Zinedine Zidane, the manager at Real, is not ready to let go of the 26-year old but if Manchester United get desperate for his signature, there is every chance the he will make a move this summer. His experience in Europe along with his ability and technique with the ball will allow him to slot into Mourinho’s midfield with ease and his exploits with the ball make him a more than able replacement for Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.
