Manchester United have already identified their ‘powerful’ £101m Paul Pogba replacement

In a world that has plenty of surprises, I think it would be a big shock if Paul Pogba decided to stay at Manchester United.

The 28-year-old midfielder has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract and on the face of things, you’d have to question why he’d want to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Pogba has caused a split in the United fanbase regarding his performances. Whilst a lot of people recognise his world-class talents, there is still a question mark over him. Some believe he doesn’t put in consistent performances to warrant a place of legendary status at the club.

I think it speaks volumes that Pogba has been at United since 2016 and still, there isn’t an individual chant for him from the Old Trafford crowd. When you consider that Bruno Fernandes has one, and he’s been here for just over a year and a half, it’s quite telling.

Personally, I think Pogba is a great player, but do I think he’s worth the hassle he brings? Of course, it’s not his own fault, but I feel United would be better off having a player who causes no controversy. Otherwise, it just means people start to question your loyalty to the club.

There’s been plenty of talk regarding who would move for Pogba and if United are to get any sort of money for him, they’d have to make a sale in the January transfer window.

Another big talking point that comes with a Pogba sale would be around who United would replace him with, but, based on who’ve they’ve tried to sign in the recent past, I think they’ve already identified the perfect candidate.

The man in question is Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

18-year-old Bellingham is one of the biggest talents in world football and plays as a box-to-box midfielder for both club and country.

He’s been recently receiving plaudits once again after putting in a phenomenal performance in England’s 10-0 victory over San Marino. Bellingham maintained a passing accuracy of 93 percent, completed three successful dribbles, made two interceptions and even scored a goal, which was unfortunately ruled out by VAR.

His performance impressed so many people and even Roy Keane was full of praise for him, labelling Bellingham as a ‘strong, powerful boy.’

When Speaking about Bellingham’s chances of making the 2022 World Cup, Keane said: “Absolutely, he has got a great chance.

“He is playing week in and week out for a top club and the potential for this kid, it is scary.

“I saw him recently in a Champions League game for Dortmund and he was producing passes that I didn’t think he had in his locker quite yet.

“We are not seeing him week in week out, only the Champions League games but the potential for this boy…

“He is a good size and he looks like a footballer, a strong powerful boy.

“Gareth (Southgate, England manager) must be rubbing his hands.”

United know all about Bellingham’s potential, having tried to sign him from Birmingham City in 2020.

Bellingham was taking on a tour around United’s training facilities alongside his family and was even greeted by Sir Alex Ferguson, who was brought in to persuade the youngster to join the club.

It was a race between and Dortmund for his signature, but eventually, Bellingham chose a move to Germany, where he thought he’d get more game time – a crucial element to any decision-making for a teenager.

There’s no doubt that United will be in for Bellingham at the next available opportunity, but will have to move quickly as he’s being eyed up by a host of clubs around the world.

He won’t be cheap either. According to an article from BILD, Dortmund has slapped a £101m price tag on the youngster, to try and fend off interest.

In my mind, he will be the preferred replacement for Pogba if he leaves Old Trafford, but even if he doesn’t, United will be fools to not make a move.

Will they do it? Time will tell, but they’ll regret not signing him if they don’t.