Manchester United could capitalise on Chelsea chaos to secure ideal transfer

"If you’re Manchester United, why would you not ask that question?" Jamie Carragher wasted no time at the weekend in suggesting Thomas Tuchel should be a target for the club in their search for a new manager.

"They need a new manager, and Tuchel is one of the best managers in the world right now." He isn't the only figure at Chelsea who could arrive at Old Trafford and immediately solve a key issue.

In the victory over Tottenham on Saturday night, United once again highlighted how much better they can be with a specialist defensive midfielder in their side, such was the impact of Nemanja Matic in the deeper role.

READ MORE: Manchester United already know their next No.7 after Cristiano Ronaldo

The Serbian acted as an anchor for United's attacking talent, protecting the backline in a way that allowed the rejuvenated Fred the freedom he craves to play with attacking freedom and supplement play in the final third. In an ideal world, Matic would start every game for United, but the harsh reality is that these excellent performances are still far and few between.

When carefully managed, the former Chelsea man can prove to be a vital cog in the United side, but due to his limited mobility, he can also be its downfall when overused or facing opponents who like to overrun the midfield.

At the moment, Matic represents the blueprint for what United need at the end of the season, and it is at his former club once again where the obvious answer lies.

N'Golo Kante is no spring chicken, but he'd still offer United an immediate improvement in the defensive midfield role and would at least offer a short-term solution to an issue which has affected the side for a number of years now. Now aged 30, the Frenchman remains one of the best