Should we consider selling Pogba?

[Volumiza]

I don’t want to sell him if we can sign him up but yes pretty far down the order of my current favourite Utd players and almost non existent of my list of all time favourites and it’s nothing to do with this ...

I don’t wanna make this a race thing because I dont think it necessarily is, but in my experience living in the city in a fairly multicultural area, black/mixed fans seem to love him more often than not, while white fans seem split about 75/25 in favour of hating him. Could it be cultural differences? In terms of his fondness of dancing & being a free spirit & fancy haircuts etc, as opposed to the Roy Keane stern & no bullshit type personally that a lot of fans love, could this explain why certain demographics just can’t warm to him?

And everything to do with this.

I am not a fan of Pogba in the same way I am not a fan of Mourinho, it’s alway about him rather than the team. Factor in the fact that he lets his vile agent do much of the talking for him in the press and it’s not a good look for him.

 

[NewGlory]

Are we still doing this. He is the best midfielder at the club, we won't get the money for him, and there is no replacement available. He still has two years left on his contact.

Actually, Bruno has been ten times more impactful than Pogba ever was for us, and if you have watched VDB play – you can easily expect so will be VDB. All of them are attacking midfielders, so even in the AMF role, Pogba is only third best, at least for Manchester United.

Since our defense doesn't function without a defensive midfielder, and none of the three are that, the only formation where having Bruno, Pogba, and VDB on the pitch makes sense is the midfield diamond. I guess we will be playing quite a lot of it, when everybody is healthy and in form

 

[Canadianred17]

Can't believe this ridiculous thread is still open.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Can someone please explain to me why such a noticeable section of our fan base want us to sell our best player? I don’t see this at other clubs. I live in Manchester so I see this all the time, honestly I’d estimate about half of our fans want him sold. I’ve had friends even say we should play McTominay or Fred over him. What is it about him that people just can’t stand? To the point where they are willing to downgrade the team just to be rid of him.

I don’t wanna make this a race thing because I dont think it necessarily is, but in my experience living in the city in a fairly multicultural area, black/mixed fans seem to love him more often than not, while white fans seem split about 75/25 in favour of hating him. Could it be cultural differences? In terms of his fondness of dancing & being a free spirit & fancy haircuts etc, as opposed to the Roy Keane stern & no bullshit type personally that a lot of fans love, could this explain why certain demographics just can’t warm to him?

Mental post.

He’s not our best player. He is probably our most talented player, but that’s different.

It’s easy to see why there is a debate about him. He’s not lived up to his potential, and at times he’s wanted to leave.

If we can get him playing well and consistently, he can be a terrific player for us. If you then consider he’s only got 2 years left on his contract, it’s a good time for a debate, as we wouldn’t want him to go on a free.

Nothing to do with race, culture or haircuts.

I want him to stay, and I want him to show us the player he can be, but if he won’t sign a new contract, we need to sell him next summer at the latest.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Just read people saying he's not mobile and dynamic!

Are they getting him mixed up with Matic?

The lies abound every time Pogba appears in a sentence

 

[Forevergiggs1]

Not saying that is the case here, but just wanted to point out that people can love/adore someone and still be racist to another.

Racism doesn't work like that. You can't be a half racist. You're either all in or all out. If certain people love Evra and hate Pogba then I think we have to look beyond the racist card.

Pogba is his own worst enemy without doing a lot wrong. When we signed him for a world record fee people's expectations went through the roof. Pogba didn't set his transfer fee which is why I said he didn't do a lot wrong but if a player (any player) doesn't live up to those expectations then there will always be conflict amongst the supporters.

The same is happening with DDG. A lot of people are rightly criticising his performances the last 18 months even though he's been our POTY on many occasions but apparently this has nothing to do with race issue so why should it be different for Pogba?

Martial is another example. For 4 seasons he's been highly criticised and the same argument about race was being brought in. Now he's playing at a very high level and he's being rightly praised which for me shows it's got nothing to do with race but everything to do with the commitment that players show towards the club on the pitch. I choose to think that it has everything to do with commitment and nothing to do with race when a player is being criticised but everyone will have their own concepts on that one.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

I think it’s a jump to make a statement that certain demographics don’t warm to him based on your limited interactions with people,the fans loved Evra for example and he has a very similar cultural background to Pogba.

I am not a fan of Pogba in the same way I am not a fan of Mourinho, it’s alway about him rather than the team. Factor in the fact that he lets his vile agent do much of the talking for him in the press and it’s not a good look for him.

The haircut and dancing doesn’t bother me, he should be able to express himself in the most authentic way, I think there has to be some self awareness though along with that, when results have not been good we like to think of a professional player being frustrated and working to ensure that the next game is a positive result, it’s a perception thing.

I don’t think Evra is a good example, there were never any changing rooms videos of Evra dancing, that stuff & his other eccentric stuff came after he left. He was never seen like that when he was here. He was seen as a hard worker who would die for the badge. The only thing he had in common with Pogba was his nationality & his skin colour.

I feel like the main reasons people don’t like him are never related to how he performs on the pitch. There is genuinely a fairly sizeable portion of the fan base who would happily take a lesser player over him, wether that’s VDB or McTominay, or whoever, and my question is simply, why?

 

[Mainoldo]

With thiago and pogba we have an unbalanced midfield unless you drop Bruno.

Thiago runs the midfield leagues better than pogba, this is far more valuable than the difference in pogbas creativity.

Runs who’s league exactly? When and how? I’ve seen Modric and Verratti Run big games I can’t remember I day in my life when Thiago ran a big game.

 

[Mainoldo]

Mental post.

He’s not our best player. He is probably our most talented player, but that’s different.

It’s easy to see why there is a debate about him. He’s not lived up to his potential, and at times he’s wanted to leave.

If we can get him playing well and consistently, he can be a terrific player for us. If you then consider he’s only got 2 years left on his contract, it’s a good time for a debate, as we wouldn’t want him to go on a free.

Nothing to do with race, culture or haircuts.

I want him to stay, and I want him to show us the player he can be, but if he won’t sign a new contract, we need to sell him next summer at the latest.

It’s not a mental post. It is what it it. We both know why he’s hated more than not all it has nothing to do with stupid claims like yeah he’s the most talented player etc. Your just as bad.

 

[The Cat]

It can't happen but would you take a Pogba Sancho swap tomorrow?

I would. He's a great player but he's never gonna be the right player.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

It’s not a mental post. It is what it it. We both know why he’s hated more than not all it has nothing to do with stupid claims like yeah he’s the most talented player etc. Your just as bad.

Seriously, are you now calling me a racist?

 

[Hammondo]

Runs who’s league exactly? When and how? I’ve seen Modric and Verratti Run big games I can’t remember I day in my life when Thiago ran a big game.

Any game for Bayern.

 

[bosnian_red]

Runs who’s league exactly? When and how? I’ve seen Modric and Verratti Run big games I can’t remember I day in my life when Thiago ran a big game.

Missed the Champions league final I take it

 

[bosnian_red]

Can someone please explain to me why such a noticeable section of our fan base want us to sell our best player? I don’t see this at other clubs. I live in Manchester so I see this all the time, honestly I’d estimate about half of our fans want him sold. I’ve had friends even say we should play McTominay or Fred over him. What is it about him that people just can’t stand? To the point where they are willing to downgrade the team just to be rid of him.

I don’t wanna make this a race thing because I dont think it necessarily is, but in my experience living in the city in a fairly multicultural area, black/mixed fans seem to love him more often than not, while white fans seem split about 75/25 in favour of hating him. Could it be cultural differences? In terms of his fondness of dancing & being a free spirit & fancy haircuts etc, as opposed to the Roy Keane stern & no bullshit type personally that a lot of fans love, could this explain why certain demographics just can’t warm to him?

Pretty easy. Left in 2012 while Sir Alex was here in a not so great manner, then when he came back there was constant rumors going on with him leaving yet again, his agent being Raiola, inconsistent form while he's been here, languid style that is easy to claim he doesn't work hard or doesn't care, makes some brain dead mistakes somewhat regularly (ball loss vs Southampton not being a rare thing, handball vs West Ham, etc), hard to fit in to get a balanced midfield (needs Bruno ahead to relieve creative burden, needs Matic behind him to cover defensively.... I'd wager a midfield 2 of a fit Matic and Bruno would handle it just fine), huge reputation so big price tag, very bad fitness record meaning he's not really trusted to be there available all season...

It's incredibly easy to see why a lot think he isn't worth it. Because the reality is that he hasn't been worth it so far. On top of all this, he has 1+1 option years left on his contract, and he's 27. With his fitness record, it wouldn't really be a smart decision to give him a big new contract extension, while at the same time it's now or never time for other teams to sign him up, as they'll be looking at Hazard or Griezmann scenario's very soon where it's a big reputation player (so big money) with a questionable squad fit and a questionable fitness record.

We're realistically not winning the title this season, so for squad building it just makes sense to move him on and replace him in our team in a better way.

 

[Mainoldo]

Seriously, are you now calling me a racist?

If it makes you feel better. I didn’t say that though.

Just find your view old and ignorant.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

If it makes you feel better. I didn’t say that though.

Just find your view old and ignorant.

You bloody well implied it.

Tell me what is old and ignorant about my view?

I don’t think he’s the best player at the club, he’s been inconsistent, if we can get him to play to consistently and find a position that works, then he will be an asset. He’s got 2 years left on his contract, and if he doesn’t sign a new contract needs to be sold next summer at the latest.

I questioned the other poster who claimed is race, haircuts and dancing why some of the fanbase don’t like him - which is bollocks.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

Pretty easy. Left in 2012 while Sir Alex was here in a not so great manner, then when he came back there was constant rumors going on with him leaving yet again, his agent being Raiola, inconsistent form while he's been here, languid style that is easy to claim he doesn't work hard or doesn't care, makes some brain dead mistakes somewhat regularly (ball loss vs Southampton not being a rare thing, handball vs West Ham, etc), hard to fit in to get a balanced midfield (needs Bruno ahead to relieve creative burden, needs Matic behind him to cover defensively.... I'd wager a midfield 2 of a fit Matic and Bruno would handle it just fine), huge reputation so big price tag, very bad fitness record meaning he's not really trusted to be there available all season...

It's incredibly easy to see why a lot think he isn't worth it. Because the reality is that he hasn't been worth it so far. On top of all this, he has 1+1 option years left on his contract, and he's 27. With his fitness record, it wouldn't really be a smart decision to give him a big new contract extension, while at the same time it's now or never time for other teams to sign him up, as they'll be looking at Hazard or Griezmann scenario's very soon where it's a big reputation player (so big money) with a questionable squad fit and a questionable fitness record.

We're realistically not winning the title this season, so for squad building it just makes sense to move him on and replace him in our team in a better way.

Well said & fair. I understand where you’re coming from.

 

[Giggzy P]

We should be trying to get him to sign an extension, that's what we need to be doing.
Its a bit unfair how many have judged Pogba without taking into consideration the players he has had around him since he came back.
Every player is bound to have a deep in form and or a few bad games, but there haven't been players that have had to shoulder the responsibility of the team when his having a bad game.
He is, in my opinion a world class player, but he has been surrounded with either average to mediocre players, or players like Rashford and Martial (both extremely inconsistent) with great potential and still learning their trade.
With the latter players now looking like their are starting to fulfill their potential, the addition of Bruno (quailty player) VDB, Greenwood looking lie we hit gold, now would not be the time to get rid of Pogba.

To be fair I think we have really wasted his talent since his been here. We failed to add the type of quality players that his talent should be complimented with, which is what Ole looks like he is trying to do. I do believe Ole said he would build a team around Pogba whilst still managing Molde.

The thing of him wanting to leave should be understandable, he wants to win trophies whilst he is in his prime, but all he has had since his been with us, is a lack of direction by the club while being expected to carry the team every single game.
Now that we finally look like we are bringing in some decent players, is hardly the time to try and sell one of the best midfielders around. We finally have brilliant midfield options we have lacked for years.

 

[Mainoldo]

Any game for Bayern.

You watch every game for Bayern? Kimmich has been there main man.

 

[Mainoldo]

You bloody well implied it.

Tell me what is old and ignorant about my view?

I don’t think he’s the best player at the club, he’s been inconsistent, if we can get him to play to consistently and find a position that works, then he will be an asset. He’s got 2 years left on his contract, and if he doesn’t sign a new contract needs to be sold next summer at the latest.

I questioned the other poster who claimed is race, haircuts and dancing why some of the fanbase don’t like him - which is bollocks.

But non of our players have been consistent that’s why we are where we are. But I agree we need to get him in his best position I think we would have a better player

 

[TheLord]

I think the ship sailed last season when we could have sold him for over £100m - like the transfer-fee for Eden Hazard. Who's going to pay more than £70m for him in this climate? The problem is his inconsistency. He has a few good games, and then a few matches where he looks lost and disinterested, and then a little injury...and then the same cycle continues.

I don't think there's any value in selling him now. I don't think there will be much value next year either when he'll be nearly 29 years old. The economic fallout of the pandemic will force clubs to spend big only on very young players who have a good resale value.

Pogba is 27.5 years old and should be at the peak of his career for the next 2 years or so. Most midfielders start declining from the age of 30. We should try and get the best out of this talented but inconsistent midfielder at the peak of his career. He better perform - his value will drop by around 15m every year just because of his age.

 

[starman]

Who is a world class midfielder? If Pogba’s not worldclass there must only be two other midfielders on the planet who are.

KDB, simply put he is two tiers above Pogba.

What do you mean "must" only be...
You actually believe Pogba is the 3rd best midfielder in the world? For arguments sake who are the other two, presumably KDB being one of them

 

[Mainoldo]

KDB, simply put he is two tiers above Pogba.

What do you mean "must" only be...
You actually believe Pogba is the 3rd best midfielder in the world? For arguments sake who are the other two, presumably KDB being one of them

So just KDB yeah? That’s cool.

 

[starman]

So just KDB yeah? That’s cool.

Is maths not your strongest subject, who's the other player that you think is only better than Pogba...?

 

[Mainoldo]

Is maths not your strongest subject, who's the other player that you think is only better than Pogba...?

Good one! I chuckled.

Like I said so just KDB?

 

[starman]

Good one! I chuckled.

Like I said so just KDB?

"Who is a world class midfielder? If Pogba’s not worldclass there must only be two other midfielders on the planet who are"

Are you purposely playing this pretend to be stupid act or does it come naturally?

 

[Clermontois]

I don’t want to sell him if we can sign him up but yes pretty far down the order of my current favourite Utd players and almost non existent of my list of all time favourites and it’s nothing to do with this ...

That is less important than the price of rice. Forlan was a favourite player of mine while I think Zlatan is a nasty piece of work but I would accept the latter is a better player and would not mind seeing him on list of our best forwards. Bias in posts like the above is strong.

Mental post.

He’s not our best player. He is probably our most talented player, but that’s different.

It’s easy to see why there is a debate about him. He’s not lived up to his potential, and at times he’s wanted to leave.

He is our best player, inconsistency and all, as no player has been since Ferguson left.

Yes it is easy to see and if you look at the view SCartwheel mentioned it is obvious why there is a debate about him with only a section of our fans.

I have seen the same thing in France with the same demographics mentioned and it for those reasons you can see posters like rouve saying that Paul was not influential for France which is a joke. When he does not play the difference is overly evident.

Racism doesn't work like that.

From your post you know nothing about racism.

KDB, simply put he is two tiers above Pogba.

What do you mean "must" only be...
You actually believe Pogba is the 3rd best midfielder in the world? For arguments sake who are the other two, presumably KDB being one of them

Not the case, De Bruyne has performed better than Paul in attacking stats because he plays a more attacking role in a better team. In terms of talent Paul stands alone as a midfielder and as an attacking midfielder.

 

[starman]

Not the case, De Bruyne has performed better than Paul in attacking stats because he plays a more attacking role in a better team. In terms of talent Paul stands alone as a midfielder and as an attacking midfielder.

KDB is more adaptable, so can even play in a front 3. But for the most part he's played in the CM this season.
But this is exactly what I mean about Pogba, sure he is highly talented but talent does not equate to great player.

 

[Volumiza]

Bias in posts like the above is strong.

Explain please.

I see no bias in my view of Pogba. Fantastic player with lots of talent and I hope he signs a new deal and stays.

I was just stating I don’t love him or rate him nearly as much as some in here do.

I’ve loved countless players here over the years, and all for different reasons, not just how good they are but he just hasn’t done anything to earn my love.

I always welcome having my mind changed though.

 

[Forevergiggs1]

From your post you know nothing about racism.

Then please enlighten me

 

[Mainoldo]

"Who is a world class midfielder? If Pogba’s not worldclass there must only be two other midfielders on the planet who are"

Are you purposely playing this pretend to be stupid act or does it come naturally?

I’m purposely avoiding your stupidity. I challenged anyone to tell me 3 midfielders who are better than him. You named one and wanted me to fill in the gaps.

No big man finish off your sentence and tell me the three.

 

[sammsky1]

Then please enlighten me

I wouldn’t bother with this poster whom is essentially a meme which states that only black french players at Manchester United ever experience racism.

 

[starman]

I’m purposely avoiding your stupidity. I challenged anyone to tell me 3 midfielders who are better than him. You named one and wanted me to fill in the gaps.

No big man finish off your sentence and tell me the three.

You are so petty, you literally said there "must be only two better" well fecking name them then.....?

why's it so hard for you fanboys, why do you go to great lengths over the simplest things

You just need to go a few miles over the road to find two better players (KDB & Silva) then him. Hell if you gave me the choice of selling Pogba and getting Foden I would take that.

i could name 10-15 players I would rather have to formulate a more cohesive team/midfield.

 

[sammsky1]

I’d sell pogba tomorrow just to get rid of his zeolot fanboys who seem to project their own insecurities through him.

I’m actually beginning to think Pogba’s OK: it’s his fanboys that create the toxicity around him.

Yeah sell him and they’ll be gone too.

 

[pratyush_utd]

Why this abomination of a thread still going on? Why should we sell our best player? If we want to sell our best player, why stop at Pogba, why not sell Martial who according to some is not good enough to be our number 9? Why not sell Rashford whose bubble has to be burst? Or David De Gea who made few mistakes in last few years. Seriously if anyone points out how lunatic this idea is , most here attacks them as being "fanboys" and how they are true reds and will only sign player who have Manchester United logo tattooed on their chest

 

[Mainoldo]

You are so petty, you literally said there "must be only two better" well fecking name them then.....?

why's it so hard for you fanboys, why do you go to great lengths over the simplest things

You just need to go a few miles over the road to find two better players (KDB & Silva) then him. Hell if you gave me the choice of selling Pogba and getting Foden I would take that.

i could name 10-15 players I would rather have to formulate a more cohesive team/midfield.

That’s nice. So Phil Foden is better than Paul Pogba?

 

[sammsky1]

That’s nice. So Phil Foden is better than Paul Pogba?

I’d make that trade tomorrow

 

[Mainoldo]

I’d sell pogba tomorrow just to get rid of his zeolot fanboys who seem to project their own insecurities through him.

I’m actually beginning to think Pogba’s OK: it’s his fanboys that create the toxicity around him.

Yeah sell him and they’ll be gone too.

That’s exactly how I feel about Ole. We actually agree on something. Imagine that.

 

[Mainoldo]

I’d make that trade tomorrow

I know you would. But there’s a pattern here isn’t there.

 

[He'sRaldo]

Why this abomination of a thread still going on? Why should we sell our best player? If we want to sell our best player, why stop at Pogba, why not sell Martial who according to some is not good enough to be our number 9? Why not sell Rashford whose bubble has to be burst? Or David De Gea who made few mistakes in last few years. Seriously if anyone points out how lunatic this idea is , most here attacks them as being "fanboys" and how they are true reds and will only sign player who have Manchester United logo tattooed on their chest

Yup Martial isn't the best striker in the world so sell him. There are better widemen than Rashford and Greenwood, so get rid of them too. Maguire isn't the no. 1 CB on earth? Time to sell. KDB is better than Bruno, so therefore he's shite. Sell.

It's the most stupid thing you'll come across, and yet somehow you can't challenge it as then you're automatically a "fanboy".