English Premier League: Paul Pogba’s Failure is Man United’s Failure
By Tom O'Keane
After recent comments from his agent, Paul Pogba looks to be finally exiting Manchester United. Is it Pogba’s or United’s fault that the star midfielder never lived up to expectations?
Following statements made from the French international’s agent Mino Raiola, the transfer of Paul Pogba from Manchester United looks inevitable.
Rumours of a transfer went into overdrive before the club’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig following Raiola’s comments regarding his client’s future:
"I can say it’s over for Paul Pogba at Manchester United.There’s no use ignoring it. It’s better to speak honestly, look to the future and not waste time trying to blame people: Paul is unhappy at Manchester United, he can no longer express himself as he wants to or in the way that’s expected of him.He needs to change team, he needs a change of scene. (Via Tuttosport)"
Signed for a then world-record fee of £89.3 million in 2016, Pogba never managed to meet expectations on his return to Old Trafford. Showing flashes of his brilliance throughout his United career, Pogba was never able to reach the same heights he reached during his previous run at Italian giants Juventus.
Pogba arrived at United in a situation which closely resembles the same situation the England giants find themselves in now. Caught between a transitional phase and rebuilding phase, every manager still feeling the hangover from taking on the United job post-Ferguson era.
An era which saw the club truly become one of the biggest clubs in the world under Ferguson. An era where League and Cup success was an expectation, rather than a far distant hope.
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The false promise of Paul Pogba
The false promise of Paul Pogba has become a familiar feeling for United fans. Especially following the signings of Anthony Martial (£36 million), Harry McGuire (£80 million), and Fred (£47 million) – all of whom were purchased following standout seasons with their respective clubs and countries but have so far failed to live up to the same expectations.
United’s greatest challenge was not overcoming the gaping shadow left by Alex Ferguson, or the competition from rival clubs for signings.
It was, instead, finding a manager who could implement all of his player’s strengths in order to build upon their existing, obvious talents. Pogba’s performances at the club level reflected this.
United fans were cruelly reminded of his incredible talent and potential during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Playing majority of France’s group and elimination games, Pogba put his skills on full display. Playing as a defensive pivot, Pogba showed his impact by utilising his historically rare blend of power, composure, and finesse to solidify France’s midfield.
Les Bleus were victors of the 2018 World Cup, greatly boosted by Pogba’s performances which included a goal in the World Cup Final. While France consisted of a stronger squad than United’s it was still a glaring depiction of what a team could get out of the midfielder when he is surrounded by the right pieces.
These pieces being:
A defensive-minded midfielder who can cover for Pogba’s attacking runs. A striker with the ability to hold up play to allow Pogba to make runs into the box, and also players who are adept to making early runs for Pogba’s accurate long passes.
In the France squad N’Golo Kanté, Oliver Giroud, and Kylian Mbappé were perfectly suited to these roles. In the current United squad, Nemanja Matić, Edinson Cavani, and Marcus Rashford all suit these roles. But not once this season have the United trio featured alongside Pogba in either a league or cup match.
Pogba also has to take some responsibility for his inconsistent United form. His unreliable low defensive effort, sometimes wayward passes and poor body language further added fuel to the immature superstar’s narrative. In reality, Pogba had the skill, physique and potential to become a Manchester United legend.
His likely departure from the club is once again an example of United’s strong preference of purchasing talent, rather than developing and further improving talent.
Related Story. Mino Raiola talks about Paul Pogba’s future. light
There is still a chance that Paul Pogba stays at Old Trafford, but if both the club and player want to be successful, both are going to have to cooperate rather than just co-exist.