The Manchester United target could potentially be acquired for as little as £21m.

Michael Carrick is arguably one of the most underrated players to ever grace the Premier League, particularly Manchester United. The defensive midfielder made 464 appearances for the Red Devils before departing in 2018. To underscore his talent, even Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola once remarked, “He’s one of the best holding midfielders I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Has he been adequately replaced? Arguably not. Let’s explore a potential defensive midfield candidate who could fill the void left by Carrick, a player who shares similarities with Declan Rice.

Manchester United’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder
According to journalist Shaun Connolly, Manchester United are eyeing a move for Ben Sheaf from Coventry City. Sheaf, who joined the Championship club permanently in 2021 after progressing through the ranks at Arsenal, has reportedly impressed throughout the season, including a standout performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup at Wembley.

Sheaf wouldn’t break the bank, as his services could be secured for £21m this summer, indicating the type of signing United may consider.

Comparing Sheaf to Carrick and Rice
Six years after Carrick’s departure, Manchester United still haven’t found a midfielder of similar class. An article by The Athletic highlighted the absence of a replacement for the former United icon, citing several missing attributes since his departure: passing ability, vision, tempo control, game understanding, and positional sense.

These attributes are crucial for a number six, and Sheaf could potentially provide the solution to United’s Carrick predicament. Sheaf shares many characteristics with Carrick and Rice. Both players are highly technical, capable of dictating play and controlling games effortlessly. They excel in retaining possession and can contribute offensively by advancing forward and posing a threat from range.

Defensively, Sheaf and Carrick provide security through their ability to execute defensive actions and their astute reading of the game. Sheaf is particularly adept at winning back possession and covering ground effectively, similar to Rice. Statistical comparisons further highlight their defensive dominance and technical prowess.

This aspect has been a significant concern for United, especially with Casemiro lacking the athleticism to cope with the pace of the Premier League. Overall, Sheaf represents a promising signing, possessing all the qualities desired in a Premier League defensive midfielder. Could he emerge as the new Carrick and United’s version of Rice?