Though interest is predominantly being reported from the likes of City and Juventus, another cheaper option that could be evaluated by United is Italian international Manuel Locatelli.
The 23 year-old frequently operates within a double pivot for Sassuolo, who recently finished a healthy eighth amidst a very competitive Serie A season. Prior to joining the Italian side permanently in 2019 after an initial loan spell, Locatelli made his senior debut for AC Milan as an 18 year-old back in April 2016. Adding to his already growing status, he has recently been named in the Italian squad for the rescheduled Euro 2020. Despite it being a midfield rich with experienced quality, Locatelli has already been capped nine times after making his senior international debut in September last year.
Throughout 34 appearances the 2020/21 season, he managed four goals and three assists - which is overshadowed by Koopmeiners' contributions in the Eredivisie (see my previous piece for reference). However, Locatelli offers equally as much in attacking transitions; even though goal involvements don't show for it, he is statistically equally as effective as the Dutchman by way of a playmaker.
Locatelli is an excellent passer of the ball, with comparisons already raised to the great Andrea Pirlo. It's this substantial passing range that can really aid stringing together some fluidity in transitional passages, with the Italian acting as a focal point to dictate the flow and command matches in the midfield. His number of completed passes in conjunction with successful carries is up there with the very best in Serie A . By a matter of fact, his 2749 passes throughout the 2020/21 Serie A campaign was the most in the league - only five players in Europe's top five leagues managed more. His progressive nature from the pivot is confirmed by the fact he played the most passes in the opposition half in Serie A in the season just passed, as well as playing the most passes into the final third throughout the campaign. He was one of only four midfield players to complete in excess off 500 carries in the top tier of Italian football throughout the 2020/21 season, emphasising his assertive and controlling presence.
Roberto De Zerbi's Sassuolo side love possession, often bringing games to teams as Solskjaer's United also heavily favour. This attacking ethos consists of the midfield intentionally inviting pressure, so the Locatelli's ball-playing ability would be significant for United given his ability to draw opposing players out of position; this could be vital against low blocks frequently encountered in the Premier League.
After reading this lowdown on Locatelli's ability to influence the attack, I'm sure there will be questions as to whether Locatelli offers the defensive ability needed to operate alongside a player like Pogba. I can assure there is a clear defensive reliability offered by the Italian, even though he isn't statistically as defensively prolific as the likes of Koopmeiners or Rice. His tackle success is high, immediately showing that he can offer more than able stable defensive cover. When required, he will offer a dominant defensive presence with pristine awareness to nullify danger.
As aforementioned, Locatelli's Sassuolo side favour holding the ball - his role would likely be similar against many Premier League teams if he was to sign for United. He is defensively astute enough to assume that deeper pivot role when required, and would also be able to offer a playmaking influence against teams who do operate with deeper blocks. Overall, his versatility by way of capabilities in several aspects of the game would allow greater establishment of balance in the midfield in varying scenarios.
I suppose, in a way, you could compare his role to McTominay's. Both like to progress forward, however each of them offer efficient defensive output. Both provide an engine with utmost determination, with a their pressing abilities key qualities.
Admittedly, Locatelli isn't an out and out defensive midfield player within the pivot. For me, he actually wouldn't be the number one target as he offers very similar qualities to players we already have at our disposal. He loves to progress and thrives off that, so in a pair with somebody like Pogba his specialities probably wouldn't be maximised. Therefore, in my opinion, an option such as Koopmeiners or Rice would be more viable due to their thorough defensive expertise. Nonetheless - especially against low blocks - Locatelli's still reliable defensive aptness in subsequence to his progressive prowess would be a handy addition.
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