Manchester United capped off a largely disappointing 2015/16 season with the FA Cup. It was yet another underwhelming season, and spelled the end of Louis van Gaal’s reign in charge. Jose Mourinho was appointed the new manager, and was tasked with returning United to winning ways. In his search for fresh talent to revamp the team, Mourinho turned to United reject turned superstar Paul Pogba. It was immediately apparent that it would take a world record fee to pries him back from Juventus. After a summer of uncertainty and innuendos, Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United was confirmed on August 6th 2016. His fee was reportedly £89.3 million, and he was immediately under immense pressure to live up to his price tag.
Pogba made his debut in a 2-0 home win over Southampton in the Premier League on August 19th. It was a bright display from Pogba, who was all over the park, and bossed the midfield with relative ease. It was a midfield display United fans had longed for since the departure of legendary midfielder Paul Scholes.
As the season progressed, Pogba continued to put in commanding displays in the middle of the park. He formed an off the field bromance with fellow newcomer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and this quickly manifested on the pitch. The two often linked up, and many of Pogba’s assists were tucked away by Ibrahimovic. Pogba’s debut goal for United came courtesy of a header in a 4-1 home drubbing Leicester in the Premier League. He finished the season with 5 goals in the League, 3 in Europe, and 1 in the League Cup. He also racked up 5 assists, 4 coming in the League and 1 in Europe. These are respectable stats for his first year back in England.
On the whole, I believe Paul Pogba had a decent season. He was not spectacular, but his value to the team was indisputable. He was easily their most creative force in midfield. His rare combination of size, strength, and agility, coupled with his passing range, dribbling ability, and natural feel for the game made him unplayable at his best.
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There was a clear difference in the way Manchester United looked and played with Pogba and without him. However, Pogba for all his brilliance, was also inconsistent at times, especially in the bigger matches. His displays vs Man City (H), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), and Liverpool (H) left a lot to be desired. These were just some games in which Pogba failed to assert himself. His influence was minimal, and he was outplayed by his midfield counterparts. To Pogba’s credit, he opened the scoring in he Europa League final; the biggest game of United’s season. He was also named to the Europa League team of the season.
I expect Pogba to take his game to another level next season. The brouhaha surrounding his lofty price tag will have died down. This will enable him to focus solely on football. I believe Mourinho will make some key additions to the squad in the summer, As a result, Pogba will be playing alongside improved talent, and his game will benefit as a result.
Many United fans will remember countless chances Pogba created for teammates being squandered. It could be argued he would easily have had 10-15 assists if his teammates had been more clinical in front of goal. For his part, Pogba will need to step up to the challenge in big games. He will be required to be better on the ball, and more intelligent with his decision-making. If United are to challenge for the League and make headway in the Champions League, they will need the best from Pogba. I fully expect him to deliver and silence the critics.