Manchester United are set to be without key midfielder Paul Pogba for a month following the hamstring injury he picked up against FC Basel on Tuesday.
The Frenchman has been highly impressive this season with two goals and two assists in the league, but he now looks set for a spell on the sidelines after his return to the Champions League was cut short.
Pogba’s absence allows his midfield counterparts at United the chance to impress, with the league leaders facing a run of fixtures in a number of competitions.
Here are the three players in the running to replace Pogba:
Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini replaced the injured Pogba in midweek and he had a telling impact on the game as United ran out 3-0 winners. He powered in the opening goal with a close-range header as well as setting up Marcus Rashford to round off the scoring during the closing stages of the match.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a reprieve at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho with his physical presence and ability to chip in with vital goals making him an important asset in midfield.
The Belgian international would provide United with plenty of steel in the middle of the park alongside Nemanja Matic. Also, his aerial ability would be a danger to the opposition from set-pieces and crossing situations, which he showcased on Tuesday.
Ander Herrera
Herrera has been restricted to just one start this season following the form of Pogba and Matic, but he still remains a vital first-team player and one who will have a big part to play in the club’s race for the Premier League title.
The Spaniard was one of United’s standout players during the 2016/17 season, as he made 50 appearances in all competitions with his energy and work-rate earning him the club’s player of the season award.
Another strength of the 28-year-old’s games is his ability to adapt to his partner’s strengths and weaknesses in midfield. He allows the likes of Pogba and Fellaini to push forward, while he would be given the chance to take up a free role next to the more defensive-minded pairing of Michael Carrick and Matic.
Michael Carrick
Carrick is yet to start a game this campaign but at 36-years-old, Mourinho knows when the perfect time will be to use his wealth of experience and expert passing in midfield.
The club captain brings a calming presence to the side with his quality of picking out a team mate under pressure, while his attacking minded passes allow United to move forward at pace.
The former England international would complement Matic well in the centre of midfield, as their defensive structure gives the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku the chance to hit teams on the counter attack.
Who will get the nod?
Fellaini is the man most likely to replace Pogba against Everton following his impact off the bench on Tuesday, with Carrick and Herrera set to be named amongst the substitutes.
However, all three players are expected to feature over the coming weeks with United facing Burton Albion and CSKA Moscow in the Carabao Cup and Champions League respectively, along with games against Southampton and Crystal Palace in the league.
