I think most agree that we seriously lack quality in this area on the field. PP got the abilities, but needs players behind him that can play out of defense so that PP does not have to drop deep every time and players that can spread the ball.
Among the rest of the options available:
Matic: Slower than before in his movement and takes to much time on the ball. To slow to play in a pressing and high-intensity approach.
Fred: The definition of inconsistency. Can not trust him to receive and pass the ball close to our own goal.
Pereira: Can pass and got the technical ability and desire. Seems unable to find his position on the pitch. Can play multiple positions and offer us decent set-piece delivery.
McTominay: Zero-sum player. Seldom does something bad, but then again not doing much positive either. Perfect backup.
When we knew that Herrera was going to leave, then it was clear to most of us that we needed two new starters in midfield and luckily for us at that time there was several players available that would be able to improve our starting 11 for attainable prices:
We might have tried for them, but they choose other teams: Rabiot, Rodri, Ndombele.
Players that we should have been able to get: Brandt, Barella, Sensi, Tielemans, Demirbay, Sarabia, Fornals.
With so many players that have moved clubs, the number and quality of players that are left and could be attainable are fewer than before the window opened. If we are going to buy players from the EPL now, it would be very costly. And the likes of Ndidi and Rice does not have the ability on the ball, and Neves would be to expensive and might not want to join us. Bruno Fernandes is a finisher and not a player that would suit into a midfield with PP, still the one we are most likely to sign....
Given that the number of options available are limited and we seriously lack players that can protect our defenders while at the same time being able to pass the ball we should go for Grillitsch and Marc Roca.
We could play either in a 4-3-3 with Roca(B2B) - Grillitsch(Controlling) - Pogba(Same role as for Juventus) or in a 4-2-3-1 with Pogba as CAM and the two others as holding midfielders.
Grillitsch:
Roca: