United's 29-game unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League was brought to a crashing halt at Leicester, with the Foxes coming from behind to win 4-2 at the King Power Stadium. Solskjaer's side are winless in their last three league games, with pressure further growing on the manager after an expensive summer of incomings. In his latest column, Merson has questioned whether the United boss truly wanted to bring Ronaldo back to the club. 

Note this: Cristiano Ronaldo's signing was totally unnecessary considering the attacking options present at Old Trafford and the fact that the Red Devils had many gaping holes to fill.In fact, it would've made more sense to sign any of the five players highlighted below instead:  

5 Declan Rice

Tactically speaking, the Englishman plays a deep-lying playmaker role for the Hammers. During his time in the First Team squad, he was originally a center-back but gradually progressed into the defensive midfield role and is currently the club’s vice-captain, behind Mark Noble. From there, we can assume that Rice is a defensive-minded player. Rice works best at winning the ball and protecting the defense, by delaying and breaking up attacks, especially when the opponents break on the counter.

His ability to play with either foot allows him to handle his opponents in a skillful manner and sprint in either direction, should his opponent attempt to beat him for pace.

4 Kieran Trippier

Tripper’s ability to hit the ground running demonstrates that recruitment works well when players possess the attributes required to acclimatise to a new league, something which is a key consideration for clubs in the recruitment process. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has made over100 appearances in two seasons for United. That’s commendable, but it also speaks of a lack of competition at right-back.

Trippier is a player who Wan-Bissaka can learn from, and can also benefit from in terms of United having better rotational options.

3 Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga is one of those proactive players who likes to constantly participate in the construction of the game. This allows him to recognise that after passing to a teammate he has to move into space with an open passing lane so that he can receive the ball again. In the following sequence, Camavinga demonstrates his ability in this respect.

2 Yves Bissouma

one aspect of the game where Bissouma really thrives is ball recoveries.

He’s very good at using his tall frame to win the ball back and carrying it forward or playing quick passes to move the ball. The midfielder has made as many as 11.8 recoveries per 90 minutes this season, which is one of the best tallies in the division for a midfielder. Having such player partnering with pogba in the midfield will have given a room for pogba to play as a free role midfielder in manchester united squad. Instead of acquiring the service of cristiano ronaldo last summer, it could have been a great deal signing the mali talisman. 

1 wilfred Indidi

Wilfred Ndidi would certainly rank among the best in all of Europe when it comes to defensive contributions. Leicester would not be where they are in the league table without his consistent defensive work. Statistically, Ndidi is having a career year in league play.

According to WhoScored, he ranks first in tackles per game (4.5) and second in interceptions per game (2.9). He is also recording 2.3 clearances per game – a moderate rate for a central defensive midfielder. He has won 6.0 ground duels per game at a 58.0% success rate, which is a career high. According to Wyscout, he leads the league in total defensive duels won with 180. Having him in manchester united squad will have been more valuable than signing of cristiano ronaldo last summer.

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