Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United they have two Paul Pogba replacements

Paul Pogba's impending exit from Manchester United has been a long time coming, but that does not mean it has been any easier to replace a player who was arguably their most talented individual performer.

The Frenchman leaves United as somewhat of an enigma after a six-year spell in which five campaigns were trophyless, two managers were sacked and his number of standout performances can be counted comfortably across two hands.

Yet even despite his disappointment, there were moments of pure brilliance, with Pogba capable of genius on the pitch that no other United player can match.

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Erik ten Hag knew from the moment he was approached for the job that he would be planning for the future with Pogba at his disposal, and United's interest in Frenkie de Jong is evidence that another progressive playmaker might be needed as a direct replacement for the departing midfield maestro.

However, there is still plenty of work to do. While the Manchester Evening News understands United are in talks with Barcelona over a deal, club sources insist they will not overpay for the Dutchman this summer.

Even if United do end up signing the 25-year-old, they won't be able to solely rely on him to fill the void left by Pogba, with Ten Hag facing the extra struggle of Europa League football as part of his hectic debut season at the club.

United also need to look at internal solutions to their midfield reshuffle, and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already named two players at the club capable of doing that.

The Norwegian was forced to make do without Pogba for much of the 2019/20 season after a reoccurring ankle injury left him sidelined for 265 days across three