[DomM]

I dont think Pogba should be in the team, his only good position is CAM but Bruno is the better option at present. He isn't a leader, cant drive the team onwards, loses possession too easily and generally seems lethargic, wants to be the glory boy without putting in any effort.
Needs to spend some time on the bench, would be a good impact sub.

 

[MS4]

It's basically his last year and he did not do anyting, did he?

 

[Bobski]

These issues have not been unique to Utd either. Until the last WC France were having the same conversations about Pogba, where best to use him. There was even talk of him losing his place in the lead up to that tournament, how serious I can't say, but for all the talk of him being a 10, pure attacking midfielder, none of his managers in the last few years seem to agree.

 

[Zehner]

The problem with Pogba is that he has failed to develop vital parts of his game because of his immense physical talent. He's never had to learn how to resist a press by quick decisions and passes because even if a player could press him, he would just shield them from the ball and shrug them off. But teams have learned this and actively hunt him inside our own half when pressing us because he will try his shielding technique on one while the other player nicks the ball off of him. Essentially, Pogba is a giant Ozil with better goalscoring prowess at this point. Meaning he's a player that will float around while playing passes that only a select few in football can, and will have moments of genius combined with large portions of the game passing him by. Both players are fantastic footballers but both struggle to fit into a side in the modern game because every top team has turned into a high pressing manic style of defending to win the ball high up the pitch and create easy attacking opportunities. Neither of these players are any good at pressing or defensive work, so they can't contribute to their own teams pressing which causes a disjointed effort and results in teams bypassing them too easily.

Pogba being put into a slower game 20 years ago would have been lauded as a Ballon D'or candidate, but the tempo of the game now requires more energy, decisiveness, and cohesiveness as a unit for a team to have success at the top level, which is why a team like Liverpool has workhorses that run themselves into the ground as a unit. They don't need any genius passers of the ball (although TAA is one with crosses) because a large portion of their goals come from winning the ball back and immediately being in 3v3 situations and isolating their forwards onto defenders in positive situations, so build-up play isn't as vital. It's also why they can look toothless in games where a team is content to defend and just hoof the ball up to attackers against them, as they then have to rely on numerous crosses from their fullbacks or a bit of individual magic from the forwards. It still works most of the time, but it's the only flaw in Klopp's system.

I agree with your assessment of Pogba's physical prowess preventing him from learning pressing resistance but I don't think your analysis of Özil is correct. A few years ago Özil completed the most final third passes of any EPL player. He's actually very consistent and pressing resistant.

I think the underlying issue is that there's just no traditional no. 10 in modern systems anymore. Özil's natural position would now be the 8 and he's too much of a defensive liability for that. With Pogba it's different. Since he likes to take risks and transition quickly into offensive play, his nature is that of a 10 so he generally struggles with the same systemic developments Özil struggles with, too. However, Solskjaer seems to play a system with a 10 so there would definitely be a spot for him. But I believe he's just not agile enough for that position. He likes to play deeper and spray his long balls, almost in quarterback fashion, but as you explained correctly his game is just lacking some vital parts a CM has to have nowadays which is pressing resistance, patience and consistency. I think his best position would actually be the one of the deepest player. Sort of the roles Alonso and Pirlo played. He could be geniunely world class doing that and his physical prowess would mean that he could develop into a defensive beast.

However, he needs to develop certain aspects of his game to be able to play that role and I don't really think United in it's current state is the best place for that to happen. He needs to play in a functioning unit while your team is currently too busy sorting out their own issues. Also, I feel United fans being very emotional regarding Pogba doesn't help. Think it may just be the right place at the wrong time for him.

 

[VP89]

I dont think Pogba should be in the team, his only good position is CAM but Bruno is the better option at present. He isn't a leader, cant drive the team onwards, loses possession too easily and generally seems lethargic, wants to be the glory boy without putting in any effort.
Needs to spend some time on the bench, would be a good impact sub.

Something something World Cup Team talk, something something

 

[dev1l]

This shows that you can do an embarrassing video on basically anyone...

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[MadDogg]

This shows that you can do an embarrassing video on basically anyone...

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

Is it the good one that is embarrassing or the bad one? Because in reality it's both.

Pogba has been very inconsistent for us. As such there has been lots of good and lots of bad. Ignoring either aspect and pretending it's only been one or the other is ridiculous and something I see so many people on here doing.

It also has to be said, name one player over the last five years that hasn't been extremely inconsistent.

 

[westmeath]

How does our man keep getting picked for France? Watching him here and it’s early days but he looks completely lost. (Bruno on the other hand has started really brightly)

 

[kopviolator]

Hopefully he does well.

 

[westmeath]

How does our man keep getting picked for France? Watching him here and it’s early days but he looks completely lost. (Bruno on the other hand has started really brightly)

He’s been outstanding since I posted this. That begs a whole other question though......

 

[OrcaFat]

So youre attributing his poxy attitude to being fit it or not?
Absoulte shite.

Attitude is key and his is shite which is unfortunate as when he wants to play he's class.

Sooner the better he leaves he's a dark cloud hanging over the team. Offers nothing reliable.

No, I don’t think I said that did I?

I think his attitude usually appears to be poor whenever he isn’t playing well. I’m not sure why he so often does not play well but he often appears unfit. Why he is so often unfit is also a mystery but could be linked to his attitude. I’m not in his head, thankfully, so I don’t know.

I wouldn’t be unhappy if he left because he rarely plays really well for us.

He is capable, when fit and in form, of playing in any team against the best of teams and could easily be the best player on the pitch. But who wants to wait around for that rare day to come?

 

[Andycoleno9]

He’s been outstanding since I posted this. That begs a whole other question though......

He is excellent player. Just needs a manager who will use him correctly. He is not type of player who will play good in every system and every style.

 

[LJJT]

He’s been outstanding since I posted this. That begs a whole other question though......

cant say I agree sorry he’s just slightly less shite than he is for us so far. Gets the ball and gives it back to the man he got it off most the time. Falls over more than most and tries playing Hollywood balls out to the left. One good pass to Griezmann in first half mind you.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Think he's been really good, but Pogba will always divide opinions.

 

[Oly Francis]

cant say I agree sorry he’s just slightly less shite than he is for us so far. Gets the ball and gives it back to the man he got it off most the time. Falls over more than most and tries playing Hollywood balls out to the left. One good pass to Griezmann in first half mind you.

He's hands down the best player on the pitch for France.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

He's looking very good.

 

[marktan]

He's playing a lot better for France.

Why? I think it's a mixture of playing next to Kante and Rabiot, both who run a lot, and playing further forward. He's been getting to the opposition's box a lot this half, dribblinng, taking shots and pinging balls in behind for the front 3.

If you pause it at any moment he's the furthest forward of the 3. The problem with us is we play Bruno, an AM, and Matic, who can't cover much ground. Pogba ends up as a deep midfielder where all his attacking qualities (which are on display with France and previously at Juve) are completely negated and he has very few defensive ones. It's no surprise that our best run of form with Pogba was when he was further forward scoring or assisting.

The fact that a top team manager in Ole can't see his clear weaknesses and strengths baffles me.

 

[FrankDrebin]

He is excellent player. Just needs a manager who will use him correctly. He is not type of player who will play good in every system and every style.

Always the managers fault.

 

[FrankDrebin]

He's playing a lot better for France.

Why? I think it's a mixture of playing next to Kante and Rabiot, both who run a lot, and playing further forward. He's been getting to the opposition's box a lot this half, dribblinng, taking shots and pinging balls in behind for the front 3.

If you pause it at any moment he's the furthest forward of the 3. The problem with us is we play Bruno, an AM, and Matic, who can't cover much ground. Pogba ends up as a deep midfielder where all his attacking qualities (which are on display with France and previously at Juve) are completely negated and he has very few defensive ones. It's no surprise that our best run of form with Pogba was when he was further forward scoring or assisting.

The fact that a top team manager in Ole can't see his clear weaknesses and strengths baffles me.

Or he's just having a good game as he has done for us in the past. He's just annoyingly inconsistent.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Having a much better 2nd half, will hopefully be the first game of 90 minutes this season too.

i think he’s just lacked fitness especially due to covid, it’s hard to get over stuff like that especially with such little training.

 

[AltiUn]

Always the managers fault.

Everyone's playing badly this season, that probably is the manager's fault.

 

[Andycoleno9]

Always the managers fault.

Not at all. I wouldn't say that it is anybody's fault. If it is, it is on more on Pogba than Jose or Ole.
Pogba is just a player who will be the best in only specific system. That is it.
And yeah, he has fragile mentality. That is in him 100%

 

[Oly Francis]

He's playing a lot better for France.

Why? I think it's a mixture of playing next to Kante and Rabiot, both who run a lot, and playing further forward. He's been getting to the opposition's box a lot this half, dribblinng, taking shots and pinging balls in behind for the front 3.

If you pause it at any moment he's the furthest forward of the 3. The problem with us is we play Bruno, an AM, and Matic, who can't cover much ground. Pogba ends up as a deep midfielder where all his attacking qualities (which are on display with France and previously at Juve) are completely negated and he has very few defensive ones. It's no surprise that our best run of form with Pogba was when he was further forward scoring or assisting.

The fact that a top team manager in Ole can't see his clear weaknesses and strengths baffles me.

I get your point but i can't let you say that Rabiot runs a lot sorry ^^ Maybe compared to Matic but other than that he can be terribly lazy.

 

[LJJT]

He’s been better 2nd half and seen more of the ball but it’s his usual mixed bag. Easy passes, some good drives forward and liability on the ball at times hogging it too long. Rabiot been much more impressive in my view.

 

[Stretender]

Whatever he does for France, it has no impact on Manchester United.

Sell him to whoever wants him for any price. I couldn't care less.

A failed project here. Let's look for anyone who can play and enjoys playing for Manchester United.

 

[marktan]

Always the managers fault.

In this case it is though. The manager is the most important part of the team. Pogba is not a complete player - he has his flaws. If you put him in a slow midfield as a deep midfielder, the midfield will get overrun. People expect him to be like Viera because he's 6ft 3 and black but in terms of playing style he's closer to David Silva or Zidane (though not as good). Play him as the furthest forward midfielder with energy around him in midfield or don't play him at all.

I get your point but i can't let you say that Rabiot runs a lot sorry ^^ Maybe compared to Matic but other than that he can be terribly lazy.

Not sure I agree too much, he's been getting up and down quite a lot in this match. Basically playing the left-footed Matuidi role (though obviously not as much energy).

 

[FrankDrebin]

Everyone's playing badly this season, that probably is the manager's fault.

Sure but how long has Pogba been here ? 5 years now and he's been nothing but underwhelming.

Anyway, I;m done with making excuses for the guy, and a fair few others too.

He's not consistent enough to warrant a whole midfield built around him here, as some suggest.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Surprised people are rating this performance as good. It’s been a low quality game from both sides but hes turned the ball over more than usual, (78% pass completion, 5 dispossessions, 2 unsuccessful touches) and only had 1 key pass. A couple of good runs in the second half maybe turning people’s heads?

 

[Oly Francis]

He’s been better 2nd half and seen more of the ball but it’s his usual mixed bag. Easy passes, some good drives forward and liability on the ball at times hogging it too long. Rabiot been much more impressive in my view.

Are you serious?

 

[FrankDrebin]

He's our modern day Veron.

 

[OrcaFat]

Maybe he is coming back to fitness and form after not playing much for most of the year. (If he’s not going to be sold, let’s hope so.)

 

[Highfather_24]

I'm a big fan of Pogba, but today's performance was nothing special. Kept the ball well at times.Was not creative enough.

 

[sammsky1]

Tuned in today to see ‘the Pogba of France’. was exactly the same as Pogna of Manchester United.

Jogs around like an oversized ostrich, not doing much and expecting Kante to do all his heavy lifting. when he’s in this form, he is basically just a big lump like Fellaini, but without the work rate.

whenever it was that he was a good player, it seems those days are long gone.

 

[westmeath]

Surprised people are rating this performance as good. It’s been a low quality game from both sides but hes turned the ball over more than usual, (78% pass completion, 5 dispossessions, 2 unsuccessful touches) and only had 1 key pass. A couple of good runs in the second half maybe turning people’s heads?

The game can’t be distilled down to a few stats like this. Watch the game, don’t wait for a bean counter to tell you how somebody has played.

My opinion is that Pogba played at a much higher level tonight than he has done for United in a long time.

(Seriously wtf is a key pass, who decides its “key”?)

 

[JPRouve]

The game can’t be distilled down to a few stats like this. Watch the game, don’t wait for a bean counter to tell you how somebody has played.

My opinion is that Pogba played at a much higher level tonight than he has done for United in a long time.

(Seriously wtf is a key pass, who decides its “key”?)

Technically and positionally, he was a lot better. Athletically he was slightly better but still sluggish particularly in the first half.

 

[Hugh Jass]

I think people view Pogba from the lens of being a 90 million pound player. He is not and never will be. He is a 40 million pound player.

He can do good things on his day, but it is never 90 million pounds good.

I see a poster saying he needs the players. Then it is not the players, it is the formation. Not the players nor formation, then it's the manager. It is not any of those things. It is the fact that he is not a 90 million pound midfielder. Never was.

I still think we should sell anyway. He is too inconsistent and does not want to be here. I dont think he ever wanted to be here, sort of like ADM, just not as bad.

 

[FrankDrebin]

Well if Pogba is on form I expect him to carry that into our next game.

 

[westmeath]

Well if Pogba is on form I expect him to carry that into our next game.

He should bring that form to the Newcastle game but do you really expect him to?? Really??

 

[Classical Mechanic]

The game can’t be distilled down to a few stats like this. Watch the game, don’t wait for a bean counter to tell you how somebody has played.

My opinion is that Pogba played at a much higher level tonight than he has done for United in a long time.

(Seriously wtf is a key pass, who decides its “key”?)

I did watch it. It was a horrible game with no standout performances on either side.

 

[Dve]

He should bring that form to the Newcastle game but do you really expect him to?? Really??

Pogba´s form has been up and down. Why not another up. For me, it´s enough doom and gloom. I think the team will pick it self up and get better results in the games to follow. Our squad are not that crap.