IT should be a concern for Manchester United supporters that 18 months after he re-joined the club, we’re still having the same discussion about Paul Pogba.
Where’s his best position? Is he capable of playing in a midfield two?
He’s undoubtedly had moments of brilliance, and when it’s going well and he’s at his creative best, he’s a joy to watch and practically unplayable.
But, all too regularly we see him amble through games and often when asked to play in a midfield two alongside Nemanja Matic, he struggles.
It’s something Jose Mourinho has picked up on, and earlier in the month against Tottenham at Wembley, and again at Newcastle last Sunday, the situation reached a critical point and in both games, the Frenchman was put out of his misery and withdrawn.
There’s an argument to suggest that when you spend so much money on a midfielder then the least you can do is play him in his favoured position.
On the other hand, there’s others who say he should be able to play and play well in more than position. What I find difficult to fathom is his inability or reluctance to accept his defensive responsibilities regardless of where he’s picked.
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I’m not convinced he finds defending set pieces easy, which for a man of his size and presence is surprising.
Last season against Liverpool at Old Trafford a lapse in concentration meant he lost Dejan Lovren from a corner, raised his hand in the area and conceded a penalty.
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On Sunday at St James’ Park, we had something similar, when in the build-up to Matt Ritchie’s goal he failed to challenge his man for a header.
These are just two examples that spring to mind, there are many more in general play where it looks like he’s switched off in key moments.
As far as I can see, from the outside, there are three solutions . . .
ADAPTATION
One is that he starts to adapt and understand what’s required of him in a midfield two.
Be more disciplined, take note of what other more experienced midfielders before him have done and look at dictating from deep.
Time those runs better, conserve some energy so that his forays forward are less frequent, but more damaging to the opposition.
See Paul Scholes. Andrea Pirlo. Two players he will know well.
FORMATION
The second is that Mourinho moulds his formation around the Frenchman.
He opts for a trio in midfield and plays him in his favoured position to the left of a three.
We saw this against Everton over the festive period, the defensive shackles were off and he was free to express himself in that inside left role.
Or play him in the No10 spot, with Alexis Sanchez to the left and one other – probably Martial – to the right, giving him complete licence to roam across the final third.
RELOCATION
Sell him.
The most unlikely option, and not my choice, is to look for a buyer in the summer and push him towards one of the giants in Spain.
What’s clear is that something has to change.
If not for the remainder of this season then in plenty of time for the next campaign when United will be expected to push neighbours City a lot harder for the title.
The best option, I’ll let you decide . . .
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