Potential Matic Replacements

Thiago Maia purely because I replaced Matic with him on football manager and it worked wonders.
 
Neves would be the perfect signing for United to play at the base of their midfield. Strong, good reader of the game with interceptions and importantly, unlike Metic, a brilliant passer of the ball. Would be extremely expensive though. However, that's the type United need to sign in midfield. There's another height, physicality, and running amongst the midfield options already, they need a deep lying playmaker who's quality on the ball.
 
Rocknrolla69er said:
Well the ideal one for me Paredes is now at PSG, called that weeks ago well done me

Seriously though , giving some thought to Neves now but how’s the defensive side of his game
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Paredes seems a bit hard to judge given he's playing in Russia. For example Golovin is in the relegation places at Monaco after being the best player in the Russian team.

Sometimes Paredes plays as the deepest midfielder but sometimes he gets forward a bit more. Does look fairly good though ive no idea how good. Will be interesting to see how he does
 
Ekeke said:
Paredes seems a bit hard to judge given he's playing in Russia. For example Golovin is in the relegation places at Monaco after being the best player in the Russian team.

Sometimes Paredes plays as the deepest midfielder but sometimes he gets forward a bit more. Does look fairly good though ive no idea how good. Will be interesting to see how he does
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Im willing to rate the guy highly judged on his stats and performances in Italy which is a step above Russia, if you look into his stats there, they are very impressive.
 
Personally, I'd be targeting Neves this summer. Matic (who granted, has improved under Ole) is still a fading talent and can't play week in week out without declining in terms of performance. Neves and Matic would be excellent options for our deepest midfielder - when Matic is eventually phased out, I'd be upgrading on Herrera for someone a bit more 'destroyer' esque and Neves would then have adequate protection to do his thing.

Four signings this summer, for me:

- a RB (preferably someone around late 20s) - doesnt need to be a world-class name, someone dependable and solid.
- Ruben Neves
- a RW
- a CB

The following summer, I'd be looking at a LB and an upgrade on Herrera.
 
Alabaster Codify7 said:
Personally, I'd be targeting Neves this summer. Matic (who granted, has improved under Ole) is still a fading talent and can't play week in week out without declining in terms of performance. Neves and Matic would be excellent options for our deepest midfielder - when Matic is eventually phased out, I'd be upgrading on Herrera for someone a bit more 'destroyer' esque and Neves would then have adequate protection to do his thing.

Four signings this summer, for me:

- a RB (preferably someone around late 20s) - doesnt need to be a world-class name, someone dependable and solid.
- Ruben Neves
- a RW
- a CB

The following summer, I'd be looking at a LB and an upgrade on Herrera.
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Fully agree with all of this, I know Neves needs refining defensively but we have the coach in Carrick to take him to the next level and alongside Herrera I think they'd offer a great base for Pogba and the front 3 to play off.
 
Alabaster Codify7 said:
Personally, I'd be targeting Neves this summer. Matic (who granted, has improved under Ole) is still a fading talent and can't play week in week out without declining in terms of performance. Neves and Matic would be excellent options for our deepest midfielder - when Matic is eventually phased out, I'd be upgrading on Herrera for someone a bit more 'destroyer' esque and Neves would then have adequate protection to do his thing.

Four signings this summer, for me:

- a RB (preferably someone around late 20s) - doesnt need to be a world-class name, someone dependable and solid.
- Ruben Neves
- a RW
- a CB

The following summer, I'd be looking at a LB and an upgrade on Herrera.
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Probably looking at 200 + m , so wouldn't happen.
 
Julian Weigl from Dortmund could be a nice option. But I think PSG and Tuchel get him if he left Dortmund.
 
Hammer_st said:
Julian Weigl from Dortmund could be a nice option. But I think PSG and Tuchel get him if he left Dortmund.
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He’s not really a United type of player, IMO. One of those very specific system-based players. They never really work out at United (see all players United signed from Dortmund).
 
I like Barella. Perhaps we should get a steal on other teams. He can tackle and has very good passing .
 
Ruben Neves for the CDM, Wan-Bissaka for RB, Sancho for RW and De Ligt for CB. And... I went full muppet, now I must go back to my FIFA save.
 
Just buy Ruben Neves don´t care what he costs just get him and we are set for years..
 
How about Kroos as replacement for Matic? any chance of Madrid selling him this summer ?
 
robbieromance said:
He’s not really a United type of player, IMO. One of those very specific system-based players. They never really work out at United (see all players United signed from Dortmund).
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Maybe it should be a United Type player. I hope United install a system and that type of player fits. Playing without a system was the reason why no english team won the Champions League in the last years. Now City and Liverpool seems to install a system and unfortunately at the moment they are miles away from the other teams in the Premier League.
 
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If we want players which improve us from the first secend, I would go for Saul Niguez, Bentancur or Milinkovic Savic.
All could replace Matic or Herrera.
And far better than a Neves for 100mio in my opinion.
 
Hammer_st said:
If we want players which improve us from the first secend, I would go for Saul Niguez, Bentancur or Milinkovic Savic.
All could replace Matic or Herrera.
And far better than a Neves for 100mio in my opinion.
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Saul Niguez will never leave Atletico. Just signed a contract until 2026.
MKS just isn't that good. Lot's of hype last season, not justified.
Bentancur would cost an arm and a leg, don't think he'd be much better than let's say Neves.
 
onemanarmy said:
Saul Niguez will never leave Atletico. Just signed a contract until 2026.
MKS just isn't that good. Lot's of hype last season, not justified.
Bentancur would cost an arm and a leg, don't think he'd be much better than let's say Neves.
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But I think Saul has still a moderate clause in his contract and he had given a interview were he said that he will never go to Real Madrid. But that doesnt sound like he goes never away from atletico .

SMS was overhyped, but he is still a good player. And after that hype maybe he will be cheaper than the 100+mio we talked about last summer.

About Bentancur and Neves we have different opinions :-).
 
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Alabaster Codify7 said:
Personally, I'd be targeting Neves this summer. Matic (who granted, has improved under Ole) is still a fading talent and can't play week in week out without declining in terms of performance. Neves and Matic would be excellent options for our deepest midfielder - when Matic is eventually phased out, I'd be upgrading on Herrera for someone a bit more 'destroyer' esque and Neves would then have adequate protection to do his thing.

Four signings this summer, for me:

- a RB (preferably someone around late 20s) - doesnt need to be a world-class name, someone dependable and solid.
- Ruben Neves
- a RW
- a CB

The following summer, I'd be looking at a LB and an upgrade on Herrera.
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Neves or N dombele? Also if we let fellani go and Send Mctominay on loan we would need two of them. I like the idea of James Madison as well as we lack options when pogba is out. Erikson remains a dream option as well.
 
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic crossed my mind today. I remember when he was all the rage on here. SMS or bust it seemed. Came across these two pieces on him:

https://thelaziali.com/2019/01/02/sergej-milinkovic-savic-lazio-genk/

For me, the main concern about Sergej Milinkovic Savic right now is his inconsistency. Sergej, as aforementioned, was crucial to Lazio’s successes last season yet, this season, he has been a mere shadow of his former self. Whether he is struggling with fitness or lacking confidence, something is not clicking for the Serbian as it did last season.
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https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/news-gossip/436849/sergej-milinkovic-savic-lazio-serie-a/

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has gone from Europe’s hottest property to Lucas Leiva’s shadow

Did Man United and the rest of Europe’s elite dodge a very expensive bullet?

The stock of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has plummeted this season following a string of underwhelming performances.

As recently as seven months ago the Serbian was the most coveted prospect in European football but is now being driven out of Rome by disgruntled supporters.
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Ruben Neves should definitely be the guy we should be considering.... He's 21 and already PL proven.... I suggest using Pereira and 30m to get Neves. Would be a really good deal for Wolves. In addition, I think we lack someone who can come and fill Pogba's shoes when required. Ndombele would be great acquisition.

CM Options: Matic/ Neves/ Pogba/ Fred/ Ndombele/ Herrera
 
Neves and Ndidi, both of them are very good options. I’d prefer Neves by the later is a very solid CDM who could do very good for us.
 
Alabaster Codify7 said:
Personally, I'd be targeting Neves this summer. Matic (who granted, has improved under Ole) is still a fading talent and can't play week in week out without declining in terms of performance. Neves and Matic would be excellent options for our deepest midfielder - when Matic is eventually phased out, I'd be upgrading on Herrera for someone a bit more 'destroyer' esque and Neves would then have adequate protection to do his thing.

Four signings this summer, for me:

- a RB (preferably someone around late 20s) - doesnt need to be a world-class name, someone dependable and solid.
- Ruben Neves
- a RW
- a CB

The following summer, I'd be looking at a LB and an upgrade on Herrera.
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Agree with this, with the exception that I really dont think a RW is necessary. If Sanchez leaves its another story.
I would rather like two CMs in, especially now after Fellaini seems to be gone it is almost necessary to be honest. We might even have to look at as many as three CMs in the summer if Pereira leaves (which he should) and McTominay goes on loan (which he also should).
 
Neves or Lemina, alternatively to risk it with Rabiot and Weigl for that untapped potential.
 
Is Neves all that good on the defensive side of things?

It wouldn't matter if the passing range is limited but we kind of need someone who's mobile enough to snuff out threats that develop from Pogba running around on attack, ignoring things behind him as well as being able to be the third center back when put under pressure. Basically a prime Matic would be perfect.
 
Well it's either we replace Matic with like for like replacement or trying a new type of midfield ala Modric or Verratti.

Matic type player is harder to find.
 
Shame we didnt or couldnt buy anyone in January. It shows that this will be a key position to replace for next season and we suffer when Matic runs out of steam
 
meamth said:
Well it's either we replace Matic with like for like replacement or trying a new type of midfield ala Modric or Verratti.

Matic type player is harder to find.
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Disagree, Modric type players are one in a million, they are usually the backbone to all the great teams.
 
SoCross said:
Interesting. I think Lemina has another gear to him. But more of a Hererra replacement than Matic?
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Honestly I think he's have enough to his game to play in both of those positions, but I would have him as replacement for Matić because he's great at breaking up the play and he's great with holding to ball.
 
Escobar said:
Shame we didnt or couldnt buy anyone in January. It shows that this will be a key position to replace for next season and we suffer when Matic runs out of steam
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Let's hope we are planning a real investment for that position. Couple of good options out there, albeit in a different player profile.
 
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