What will Manchester United do with Paul Pogba?

With Manchester United sitting in pole position of the Premier League and Paul Pogba putting in man of the match performances, is it time for the club to extend the Frenchman’s contract?

When Paul Pogba rejoined the Reds back in August 2016 for a record-breaking £89.3 million, many expected the midfielder to take the league by storm. With his world-class ability being the catalyst to making United title contenders and eventually bringing the glory days back to Old Trafford.

However, after winning the Europa League and Carabao Cup in his first season, there has been a lack of trophies and progression for both the player and the club.

With Pogba’s future looking uncertain, it is hard to know what Man United should do with him. United’s midfield options are strong, with players such as Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek, and Fred all competing for places behind the in-form Bruno Fernandes. Although Pogba is undoubtedly the most talented and well-rounded midfielder at the club, his lack of commitment and consistency has made it hard to cement a place in the squad. But, recently the performances have stepped up and we are starting to see the best of Paul Pogba, if this continues then Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be itching to keep a hold of his star man.

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One of the main issues United fans have with Pogba is external to his ability on the pitch and more towards his agent, Mino Raiola. Raiola has made various statements about Pogba wanting to leave, with the most recent event happening in December with Raiola saying Pogba is “unhappy in Manchester.” There was an uproar from fans after this, especially since the midfielder hadn’t been performing, registering no goals or assists prior to Raiola’s stament. Solskjær continued to play the Frenchman intermittently which appears to be the correct approach as Pogba is looking more dedicated and is settling down.

Pogba’s importance to United has been clear throughout his time at the club. Especially in the 18/19 season where he was top of the goal-scoring and assisting charts. As well as being top of every other stat, most shots, most take-ons, and most chances created.

Before the arrival of Bruno Fernandes United relied heavily on Pogba to create, as the likes of Rashford and Martial just weren’t providing enough. However, with Fernandes now doing the creative side, it takes a weight off Pogba’s shoulders which he appears to finally be adapting to. Allowing the midfielder to dictate from a deeper position as well as helping further up the pitch due to Fernandes’s tenacious work rate.

 

Looking at Pogba’s performances this season, it’s hard to tell what his best position is. Solskjær has played Pogba on the left of an attacking three, at an advanced role in a midfield three, and as the deepest man in the midfield three. With the Frenchman getting an average rating of seven in each position, according to whoscored.com.

The numbers aren’t great with only two goals and zero assists, something that needs to be improved. However, he appears to be offering more defensively which is what United fans needed to see. The attacking ability is clear we’ve seen that for United, France, and, Juventus it’s the defensive discipline that most critics focus on. Pogba winning 100% of his tackles and 83% of his aerial duels against a physical side like Burnley, shows a glimpse of what he is capable of.

Any club in the world would love to have a player like Paul Pogba playing for them, what he brings on the pitch with his dribbling, passing range, shooting ability, and physical presence is unmatched. He also is an advertising machine, with his clothing brand, connection to Adidas, and social media reach.

The problem is United fans haven’t seen Pogba display the obvious qualities consistently, the Pogba who helped lead France to a World Cup in 2018 hasn’t shown up enough. A lot of United fans feel that if the club let a player of that calibre leave then they would live to regret it.

However, plenty of fans also feel the lack of commitment and issues Pogba’s camp has caused are unacceptable. Both sets of fans will hope that Pogba’s recent form continues and leads the club to their 21st title win.

 

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