The maturation of Paul Pogba at Manchester United
For 74 minutes Paul Pogba looked like the world-class player we all knew he could be. He was running Manchester United’s midfield as the Red Devils were thriving, up 3-1 at Arsenal.
But despite his red card in the second half, this was a near-perfect performance from the 24-year old. His challenge on Hector Bellerin was accidental, and there was no ill-will meant — those plays happen in football. The red card will be forgotten — his performance, however, will not.
Two assists — including a brilliant counter attack where he out-muscled his compatriot Laurent Koscielny in the box before finding an unmarked Jesse Lingard at the back post for a tap-in.
He was calm, composed (minus the harsh red card), and looked like a true leader on the pitch. The polar opposite of how Pogba looked last season during big games.
Maybe it was the label of being the world’s most expensive player. Maybe it was him trying to do too much, too soon. Perhaps it was him trying to justify to the world his massive transfer free. Possibly, it was a mix of all three. But one can’t deny that Pogba was a big let down in big games for United last season.
This season, things are different.
Manchester United started this season red-hot, firing on all cylinders. They were blowing teams out of the water left and right. However, when Pogba went down injured against Basel the team lost its driving force. They struggled.
Since his return from injury, the Red Devils have found their attacking boots.
Paul Pogba himself has scored once and assisted three since his return, and United once again look like they could push City for the title.
He looks like a maestro in the midfield — it could be that he finally is surrounded by the pieces needed for him to succeed — or he’s finally maturing into the star midfielder everyone knew he could be.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
He’s ignored the doubters, the haters, and the critics who said he wasn’t worth £89.3m; however, with the astronomical transfer this summer, he now looks like a bargain. He’s averaging a 7.91 player rating — the highest in the top division.
The 24-year old is letting the game come to him. He isn’t trying to force his will — he’s picking his moments to make an impact, and that’s what truly
great players do.
Sure, United will be desperate to try and win his appeal for this weekend’s clash with Manchester City. The league leaders are eight points clear of United in second place. Without Pogba, it seems like the Reds have little hope of a victory against the high-flying ‘Noisy Neighbors.’
Next: Three takeaways from Manchester United’s win over Arsenal
If he does miss the match it isn’t time to panic. Pogba is coming into his own, and if he can continue this form he’s in, there’s no reason United can’t be nearly as dominant as City.