Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been at the helm at Old Trafford for a little shy of three years. The Norwegian has built a pretty impressive squad capable of challenging for titles, but it looks inadequate for the United gaffer.
It’s been a long way from Solskjaer declaring the team was good enough to challenge for titles to its present situation where he needs certain players to make them competitive.
Many hold the position that there is no perfect team and that the manager has a squad that most managers would die for. The belief is that the Norwegian should make this team work. So far, United have lost three matches in all competitions. The team lost to West Ham in the Carabao Cup, 1-0 to Aston Villa in the league and 2-1 to Young Boys in the Champions League.
Ole supporters have blamed it on the lack of a quality defensive midfielder, so the search for a top player in that category has begun. Meanwhile, the United gaffer has another problem in his hands. Paul Pogba is yet to renew his contract and will become a free agent in January.
It means that while Solskjaer is searching for a defensive midfielder, he has the additional headache of finding a Pogba replacement.
Verratti seen as Pogba replacement
Pogba has been consistent in his desire to leave Old Trafford. The Frenchman’s Old Trafford tenure has not been a successful one as the player has only managed a Europa League title, Carabao Cup and the Community Shield. These were won under the era of Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman joined United with the hope of winning the major trophies, but the team has been a long way from challenging for titles. The World Cup winner has held out against signing a new contract with United finally coming to terms that the player will be leaving Old Trafford.
A replacement is already being touted. PSG star Marco Verratti has been named as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba.
Former United player Ashley Young has urged the club to go all out for Verratti. Young believes that the Italian midfielder is anal replacement for Pogba. According to Young, as cited by Express Sport, United have not really replaced Michael Carrick and are thereby having problems in the midfield.
Can United get Verratti?
Let’s put it this way. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for any club to sign a player that PSG needs. The statement above describes any intention to bring the Italian Euro Cup winner to Old Trafford.
PSG is building a team capable of winning the Champions League, and any attempt for the mercurial midfielder will be rebuffed. A clear example is Real Madrid’s quest to sign Kylian Mbappe.
United would be better looking in anotherction in their quest for a midfielder.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
