The world record signing of Frenchman Paul Pogba has caused quite the divide between both Manchester United and football fans alike.

After seven games into the new season, the £89 million plus man has arguably failed to make the impact he so promised following his summer move from Italian champion’s Juventus, having scored only one goal and assisted none thus far this season in all competitions.

While his performances have certainly been improving, and his impact in the middle of the park beginning to tell, the France international has still failed to shine for his new side, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Daley Blind instead stealing the Manchester headlines.

Signed for such an astronomical fee, there are those that believe the highly rated youngster will come good given time in the Premier League, but perhaps there are a more who are already beginning to doubt the credentials of their own former player, and beginning to see why Sir Alex Ferguson let him go as a teenager in the first place all those years ago.

Whether you think it was good business or not, United did have alternatives they could have signed during the summer instead.

Our Red Devils here at the Transfer Tavern are starting to think these THREE superstars could have been a better option than Pogba ….

Julian Draxler

Highly rated Wolfsburg youngster Draxler seemed destined to move away from the Bundesliga this summer, however a move was not to materialise.

The enormously talented midfielder already has a world cup winning medal to his name as well as over 100 appearances in the German top flight at the mere age of 23.

Creative and with an eye for a pass, Draxler would have been a fantastic addition to United, and provided them with the creativity in midfield they have so far lacked this season.

Toni Kroos

Real Madrid were extremely keen on bringing Paul Pogba to the Spanish capital this summer as United ended up battling Los Blancos for the Frenchman’s coveted signature.

In an alternate world where Madrid won the battle for Pogba, Toni Kroos would have almost certainly been free to leave what would have become an outrageously competitive midfield.

Kroos is your typical German midfielder: strong, classy and technically fantastic.

Imagine him partnered with former team-mate but now instead ousted Bastian Schweinsteiger. (red 100 emoji)

Blaise Matuidi

United thus far are operating Paul Pogba in a more deep lying position than arguably he should be playing in.

If United wanted a defensive midfielder – which coincidently they also need desperately – they should have looked no further than the human haircut’s international compatriot Blaise Matuidi.

The PSG man is a class act in the middle, offering both the ability to break up the play but also burst forward with energy and dynamism when required.

Arguably the star of France’s Euro 2016 campaign, Matuidi goes about his job silently but effectively.