Paul Pogba will always remain a what-if player for Manchester United, given his failure to sustain his success during his spell as a first-team member at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman left the club on a free transfer, before joining in a then world-record £89m transfer just a couple of years after originally being allowed to depart the Red Devils.
The midfielder was known for his moments of magic, but questions were always asked about his commitment and effort, which held him back from being one of the elite players in world football.
He racked up over 200 appearances during his second spell in Manchester, but ultimately struggled to match the huge fee he returned to the club with.
However, his individual brilliance will always outshine the tough times he spent at the club, with current boss Ruben Amorim able to land his own version of the 32-year-old this window.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Benjamin Sesko undoubtedly remains as United’s main target this summer, as the club look to provide the boss with the talisman he craves during his spell in charge.
Talks have already been held between the players’ representatives and the Red Devils hierarchy, but any deal will be an expensive one, given the current £78m asking price.
However, the Slovenian international isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with work also being conducted to secure a deal for Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Marca’s latest update claims that Amorim’s side have already reached out to the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old, who’s currently valued at £25m.
The report also states that AC Milan are also currently exploring a move for the Spaniard, which could see the Red Devils spring into action for his signature in the near future.
Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own Pogba
Along with his effortless ability to change a game, Pogba was known for his ball-carrying talent, which often saw him run the game when he was performing in full flow.
During the 2017/18 campaign he spent at Old Trafford, the former Juventus star registered 4.1 progressive carries per 90, a figure that ranked him within the top 5% of all players within England’s top-flight.
His dominance on the ball is further backed up by current professional Declan Rice, who placed the Frenchman within his top three players he’s ever come up against.
United’s current midfield is currently lacking the dynamism that Pogba possessed, which should come as no surprise given 33-year-old Casemiro is still one of the options at Amorim’s disposal.
However, the manager could be about to land his own version of the former fan-favourite this summer, with Guerra possessing a lot of the qualities that made the World Cup winner a hit with the supporters.
Guerra, who’s been labelled “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register 4.8 progressive passes and 1.8 progressive carries per 90 – able to glide past opponents when in control of the ball.
Such a skillset may come as a surprise given his 6”2 frame, sitting just one inch smaller than Pogba, with the pair freakishly talented with the ball at his feet given their height.
Games played
36
Goals & assists
6
Progressive passes
4.8
Passes into final third
4.2
Take-ons attempted
2.7
Carries into final third
1.5
Tackles won
1.7
However, the youngster’s talents are also further reflected in his tallies of 1.7 tackles won and 1.7 clearances made per 90, able to do the dirty work at the heart of the side before making the desired impact higher up the field.
At just 22, he’s already made a name for himself for his ability to find the net from distance, with his effort against Espanyol arguably the best of his career.
Pogba also managed to possess such a quality, as seen by his own catalogue of strikes, which always managed to excite the fanbase – something which Guerra could do himself should he join the club.
Given his £25m asking price, a deal should be a no-brainer, potentially landing themselves a bargain this summer with a player who could emulate the levels produced by the former world record signing.
He's just like Zirkzee: Man Utd preparing move for £40m Sesko alternative
Manchester United have turned their attention to another striker alongside Benjamin Sesko.
ByEthan LambAug 1, 2025