Manchester United target young star of French football as Pogba replacement

A week ago, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position as manager of Manchester United looked to be hanging by a thread following a humiliating defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool. 

The Norwegian witnessed his side lose 5-0 to the Reds at Old Trafford, and speculation was rife in the build up to their game against Tottenham Hotspur that the former Cardiff City boss would be sacked if his side lost.

Instead, the Red Devils beat Spurs 3-0 and it was Solskjaer’s opposite number, Nuno Esperito Santo, who was instead relieved of his duties.

Solskjaer lived to fight another day as United boss, but once again relied upon the last-minute heroics of Cristiano Ronaldo to savage a point against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The Portuguese scored in added time of both halves to twice draw his side level, much to the relief of his manager.

Tchouameni was integral to France’s Nations League triumph earlier this year

Now, it appears that Solskjaer is already planning ahead and is putting plans in place to launch a bid for a highly-rated young midfielder.

As per Football Insider, Solskjaer will send scouts to watch Monaco midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni in the French side’s Europa League tie against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.

The club reportedly had people watching the previous match between the two in the Netherlands a fortnight ago, and will now attend once again in order to further their understanding of the player.

According to the report, United view the player as a possible heir to Paul Pogba’s place in midfield, as the former Juventus man is widely expected to depart the club when his contract expires next summer.

The club’s problems in midfield have been clear to see this year, with Solskjaer snuggling to find a balance to his side.

The 21-year-old is viewed by many in France as the most promising star in French football at present, and has received plaudits from all over the footballing world, including from Pogba himself.

The former Norway international is now reportedly growing impatient with the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, and will sanction a move for Tchouameni if his scouts give him the go-ahead.