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The target of Manchester United’s interest could potentially be snapped up for a mere £21m.

Michael Carrick, often overlooked, stands out as one of the Premier League’s unsung heroes, especially during his tenure at Manchester United. The defensive midfielder’s legacy comprises 464 appearances for the Red Devils before his departure in 2018. Notably, even Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, once lauded Carrick, proclaiming him as “one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life.”

But has Carrick truly been replaced? Perhaps not. Let’s delve into a prospective candidate for the defensive midfield position, one who shares similarities with Declan Rice.

Manchester United’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder
As per journalist Shaun Connolly, Manchester United are eyeing Ben Sheaf from Coventry City. Sheaf, who permanently joined the Championship side in 2021 after honing his skills at Arsenal, has evidently impressed throughout the season, including a standout performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup at Wembley.

Notably, Sheaf’s acquisition wouldn’t break the bank, with a potential summer transfer fee of £21m, suggesting a pragmatic approach by United’s decision-makers.

Comparing Sheaf to Carrick and Rice
Even six years after Carrick’s departure, Manchester United’s midfield remains in search of a worthy successor. An article by The Athletic pointedly highlights the dearth of a replacement for the former United stalwart, citing the absence of several key attributes since his exit: passing finesse, visionary playmaking, adept tempo control, acute game reading, and astute positional sense.

These attributes, integral for a proficient number six, paint Sheaf as a potential remedy to United’s Carrick conundrum. Sheaf shares many traits with Carrick and Rice. Both possess remarkable technical prowess, capable of orchestrating play and asserting control with seamless ease. Their adeptness at maintaining possession and contributing to the attack, coupled with an ability to marshal the midfield, set them apart.

Defensively, Sheaf mirrors Carrick’s tactical astuteness and Rice’s tenacity. Sheaf’s knack for timely interceptions and ability to cover ground swiftly resonate with Rice’s style. Statistical parallels further underscore their defensive mettle and technical acumen.

This aspect assumes paramount importance for United, particularly with Casemiro’s perceived limitations in adapting to the Premier League’s pace. In sum, Sheaf emerges as a tantalizing prospect, embodying the quintessential qualities sought in a Premier League defensive midfielder. Could he emerge as the heir to Carrick’s legacy, shaping United’s midfield akin to Rice’s impact elsewhere