When Manchester United re-signed Paul Pogba for a club-record fee of £89million back in August 2016, they did so with the idea in mind that he would help them restock their trophy cabinet.
Jose Mourinho had been installed as Louis van Gaal's successor, cult hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic had already put pen to paper on a one-year deal and United had rediscovered a sense of optimism and belief that the good times were about to return.
Almost six years on from the summer of 2016, Pogba is preparing to pack his bags and leave Old Trafford for a second time. Out-of-contract at the end of the season, the Frenchman has shown no sign of committing his future to the club beyond June 30, meaning United will be forced to stomach a huge financial loss.
The chances of him staying are slim to non-existent, so much so that you would argue United have a greater chance of winning the Premier League with 100 points to their name next season.
But whilst Pogba has failed to live up to the standard expected of him upon his return from Juventus almost six years ago, his absence will be felt by United. Perhaps not in the sense of his consistency levels, with his second spell at Old Trafford having featured more ups and downs than a mountain stage on the Tour de France, but in the sense that he was a body that could play in several midfield positions when on song.
Without stating the obvious, United are in desperate need of a defensive-minded midfielder this summer, regardless of whether or not Pogba's United career is about to reach its conclusion. But the almost certainty of the France international departing means that United could be in need of two holding midfielders.
West Ham star Declan Rice is set to be their primary target, even though he is likely to cost north of £100million, but United could source, with respect, a lesser player to accompany Rice in the middle.
Considering Ajax chief Erik ten Hag currently finds himself as a frontrunner to become United's next permanent manager, the Dutchman, should he land the gig and take over from Ralf Rangnick, could plot a move for 19-year-old Ajax starlet Ryan Gravenberch.
The youngster, who has developed at a rapid rate of knots under the stewardship of Ten Hag, is one of the hottest properties in European football and his stock is only heading north, meaning clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona have all been credited with interest in his signature.
When clubs of that ilk have expressed an interest you know serious talent levels are involved.
Therefore, considering United could be under the stewardship of Ten Hag next season, and will certainly be on the hunt for at least one holding midfielder, Gravenberch could be just the ticket to replace Pogba. He is strong in possession, athletic, physical and capable sticking a tackle in and offering United a sense of the aggression that they have been without in the centre of midfield. Plus, he is not afraid to venture forward and lend a hand in the final third.
Furthermore, the Dutchman, who was given his league debut at Ajax at the age of just 16, would most probably continue thriving and develop quicker if continuing to be coached by Ten Hag, who has clearly found a way to get a tune out of him.
At this point, you might think that the Premier League is a step up from the Eredivisie, and you're probably right. But it is not just domestically where Gravenberch has shown off his talents; he has played 12 times in the Champions League since the start of last season and excelled, playing a key role in Ajax's six wins out of six in this season's group stage, highlighting that he can perform at the very highest level despite his tender age.
Pogba was seen as a signing that would help expand United's global brand, similar to Cristiano Ronaldo's return in the summer. Gravenberch wouldn't arrive at Old Trafford with such a loyal Instagram following, but he would arrive with a point to prove and excite the crowd.
Like any transfer at any club, signing Gravenberch would carry a weight of risk, largely because of his age and the pressure that would be on his shoulders. But his performances in the Netherlands have proven he has potential.
United, with Ten Hag in place, could find themselves at the front of the queue to sign him if they wished to pursue a move. But one thing is guaranteed: if they don't move for him, somebody else will.
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