3 Manchester United players who need to step up in Pogba’s absence
Having started the 2020-21 season sluggishly, Paul Pogba had resurrected his Manchester United career on the back of some terrific performances until we saw him limping off the field on that unfortunate night.
The Red Devils might even have won the game against Everton at Old Trafford had the Frenchman stayed fit. It ended 3-3 after an equaliser from the visitors deep into injury time but more importantly, Pogba was injured.
The 2018 World Cup winner has played 28 games this season, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions. Furthermore, alongside Bruno Fernandes, he has been a focal point of the team and one of the main causes for their brilliant form this term.
And following the latest update on his injury, it is clear that he will continue to be a huge miss for the Red Devils in the upcoming weeks. Consequently, these three players will have to step up their game in a bid to fill the void.
Scott McTominay
A robust individual in the Manchester United midfield, Scott McTominay has been a trump card for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season. He has been a regular alongside Fred in midfield this season and the two have struck up a brilliant partnership, which has made them better equipped against the ‘big’ teams.
What has changed this season in regard to his performances? If we want to conclude this discussion briefly, McTominay has been making more surging runs with and without the ball into the box, a scenario that resulted in his goals against Leeds United in the Premier League earlier this season.
Solskjaer has allowed McTominay to roam around the box as well as cover the defensive line with his swift feet and herculean aerial presence. But at times, he goes too defensive and does not make those darting runs into the 18-yard box.
In terms of becoming a box-to-box midfielder, the 24-year-old has made an astonishing improvement, elevating his shooting skills, first-touch and ball control. But there is still room for improvement concerning his passing accuracy and positioning.