Assuming we are going to play with 4-2-3-1:
CM/CDM options:
Fred: Great when the team is not in possession, not consistent enough on the ball or when passing to be really useful when we are controlling the games against weaker teams in the EPL.
McT: Good when the team is not in possession, not efficient enough on the ball or when passing to be really useful when we are controlling the games against weaker teams in the EPL.
Matic: As long as he does not play many games in a row, he can serve.
Pogba: Should be sold. Not a good match for the club or player.
Bruno: Should play as a CAM, but if needed would still be better as a CM/CDM than our current options.
Garner: Should be loaned out to championship to get more experience.
Pereira: Not good enough.
I think we lack quality on the ball from our midfielder. It is apparent when we look at how we have done against teams that are controlling the games against us compared to games where we are "forced" to control the game. Both McT and Fred are better/more effective when the team is not in possession, and when teams start to mark Bruno out of the game, we will struggle like we did when teams started to double team PP last season. We need midfielders that are better on the ball. Buying another defensive-minded player that is effective in the same areas as Fred and McT will not be the best solution.
My dream would be Tonali and Partey. Both are good on the ball, hardworking (the grit mentality OGS seems to prefer), and can be bought for what we get from PP. Tonali also got the technical and passing ability to operate as a CAM if needed.
Partey - Tonali
Bruno
With McT and Fred as players to cover for them and against teams controlling the games.