Why Paul Pogba has to improve, even if he is best in another formation

Manchester United are a better side when Paul Pogba plays. However, his reported disagreements with manager Jose Mourinho this week is an all too familiar story for the Old Trafford faithful. For sure, United fans don’t want a similar ending, but Pogba has to step up if he wants to be regarded as world-class.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Paul Pogba’s future at Manchester United this week. Jose Mourinho completely shut down the speculation in his press conference after. However, there are some truths in the speculation. Paul Pogba has been playing poor recently and it is probably true that his prefered role is on the left of a 3-man midfield.

Mourinho also claimed in his press conference that he did indeed play Pogba in a 3-man midfield. This may well be true, but it isn’t the combination of players that are going to get the best out of the former Juventus star.

But that raises more questions, why do we have to accommodate so much for Pogba? Why does Pogba not have to compromise either? Questions which are entirely reasonable.

Is player power taking over… on the pitch?

This last week has demonstrated some prime issues with modern football. Paul Pogba is allegedly trying to dictate where HE wants to play. If all of what we’ve heard is true, then it’s a snippet of how player power has taken over the world of football.

Originally we saw player power come to the fore in transfer business, as a contract in football is not a contract. But is this the start of player power taking over on the pitch? There’s a possibility of Manchester United losing one of their prime assets on and off the field just because of a dispute over a position.

Sir Alex can be excused for not picking the Frenchman. Countless times when United fans winced at starting XI’s the great man proved us all wrong. Months later Sir Alex cut the chord to Pogba, his attitude apparently letting him down. And I can’t imagine the Scot would allow Paul Pogba to act how he has this week too.

Pogba’s position

There is no doubting Manchester United are a better football team when Paul Pogba plays. But where? Who gets the final say now?

I, like many other Red Devils, feel Pogba should be played in a three-man midfield. That’s where he played when he dazzled at Juventus. His best all-round performance this season was away at Everton. He was allowed the freedom to roam on the left-hand side, cut in, weave in and out of players and showcase his great skill. But he was allowed this freedom due to the protection both Matic and Herrera gave him.

Mourinho has not stuck with this system as it doesn’t give United complete fluidity in attack. Even against Everton, it took two moments of brilliance to seal the game. United didn’t batter Everton’s goal. This is why I believe Mourinho wants Paul Pogba in a two-man midfield. So we have that extra option and dynamism in attack. However, as we have seen in recent weeks, there are consequences.

If Jose Mourinho wants Pogba to play in a two-man midfield then he should play there. Irrespective where the £89 million man thinks he can be most potent. Pogba should be thinking about how he can impact the game in a two-man midfield. How he needs to keep his defensive discipline when the opposition makes runs off him. How can he work with Matic to give United balance in attack and defence. Obviously, these factors will vary depending on the opponent and situation in the match but rather than think of himself he needs to put the team first.

How can the arrival of Sanchez help Pogba?

Alexis Sanchez arriving in January was a key bit of business for Manchester United. It will also help the development of Paul Pogba. Sanchez has the ability to create something out of nothing. Burst through the lines and cause havoc when your team is fatigue. He is clinical and ruthless, the ultimate predator. Having a player like him in your team is equivalent to two in most other teams.

This allows Jose Mourinho to play a three-man midfield now. As against Everton, we looked solid in defence but our attack was temperamental. And with less experienced players in the side like Martial, Rashford and Lingard, you can’t be sure they will always find the net. But with Sanchez, you can.

His link-up with Lukaku last Saturday meant we were creating chances like we had numerous bodies in attack. We always looked a threat on the break. Pace, power, skill, precision, ruthless.

Now add Pogba back into the starting lineup. Just off the left in a three. The proposition of having those superlatives above and now with the attacking superiorities of Paul Pogba. It’s spine-tingling.

Jose Mourinho can further improve the team with Pogba in it

Paul Pogba starting in that position gives Jose a clear indication of what type of player he still needs. Herrera’s form as dropped and Scott McTominay is very, very promising, but also a little rash at times (as expected with someone so young) and Michael Carrick is soon to be retired.

Manchester United could go for a combination of both Matic and Pogba just to sit next to the Serbian when United’s horses run free. Someone with the pass of a Silva but the tenacity of a warrior like Kante. Alternatively, Michael Carrick who was sensational versus Huddersfield, a replacement for him could be perfect.

Summary

Currently, to get the best out of Paul Pogba, you need to play him in a three-man midfield. He has the perfect opportunity to showcase that tonight against Sevilla. If Mourinho opts to play 433, Pogba will undoubtedly be on the left of those three midfielders. A Champions League knockout match under the lights, what a time to show Europe, on its biggest stage.

However, this isn’t to say he can’t play in a two. And that’s where Jose’s frustrations lie. With someone who has as much ability and athleticism as the 24-year-old has, he’s the ideal figure to sit alongside Matic. This also allows you an extra attacker to play behind Lukaku too.

But at this moment, in a two-man midfield, Pogba struggles defensively. If Mourinho is insistent on playing him there, he needs to knuckle down and work. Because, as it was six years ago under Sir Alex Ferguson and as it is now, no one is bigger than the team.

Next: How Manchester United breezed past Huddersfield WITHOUT Paul Pogba!