Pogba

Walters_19_MuFc

Full Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2013
Messages
29,252
Location
Birmingham
The way I see it, Ole doesnt trust A) his CB's to play with a single CDM, or B) either of Fred or Mctominay to fulfil that role on their own. With new personnel why wouldn't he change things?

City have player with the likes of D.Silva and KDB in front of an actual CDM for years - can we not do this? Going off topic slightly but we need more creativity when Pogba goes.
Because more often than not, he has always preferred a 4231. Also, apart from City, who are a highly possession based side, what other teams have played like that with success? Its risky and even Pep has had to change his ways in recent years.
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
Scout
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
65,344
Location
France
I’m not really seeing how Pogba has contradicted the report that we’ve open negotiations with him. It seems we haven’t made him a concrete offer but have opened talks with Mino to discuss terms.
To add to this, a journalist from Le Parisen asked him about PSG, he said that he still has one year in his contract as everyone knows, he hasn't had a conversation with Ole and Woodward after the season because everyone went in holiday and he is know at the Euro. Now he is focused on the national team and won't occupy his mind with club stuffs that's the job of his agent.
 

Nou_Camp99

what would Souness do?
Joined
Apr 1, 2013
Messages
10,274
I said that tongue in cheek but Pogba is a fecking brilliant player when he's used correctly and doesn't have that idiot agent in his ear. McTominay is nowhere near him.
He's got nowhere near the ability Pogba has,no. However what he does have he uses to its fullest. That's the point I was making.

What good is it being so talented if you only show it 1 or 2 games a month?

I think it's best for all parties if he moves on. God help us if we cave in and offer him daft money. Bruno will want parity soon easily considerung he's a much more consistent player for us.
 

amolbhatia50k

Sneaky bum time - Vaccination status: dozed off
Joined
Nov 8, 2002
Messages
95,334
Location
india
Tough one. On one hand he is a very good player. On the other he's tactically a pain in the backside and may hinder our solving the midfield.
 

Idxomer

Full Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Messages
15,009
Tough one. On one hand he is a very good player. On the other he's tactically a pain in the backside and may hinder our solving the midfield.
If we could sell him and buy 2 midfielders, I'm all for it. We know that's not going to happen, so we best keep him because we need his quality in the squad.
 

Commentary

New Member
Newbie
Joined
May 28, 2021
Messages
76
I don't see Pogba resigning unless United win the Premier League title this year, but even than....you have to ask the question does Pogba really want to play in England???

Mino Raiola will most likely run down the contract talks, because he knows he will get more for Pogba once he's a free agent.
(The media reports leave me with the impression that Pogba wants to leave England for Spain or Italy. I'm pretty sure he'd take Real Madrid or Juventus over Chelsea or Man CIty)

He's a world class player, but a bit of defensive liability. The premier league is the fastest pace league in football....I think he might prefer something one tempo down.

My best guess is that he walks away as free agent, and United take the loss.
 

Bebestation

Im a doctor btw, my IQ destroys yours
Joined
Oct 9, 2019
Messages
11,862
Surely this guy can’t be thinking about leaving twice on a free out of the same club after they spent 80 million to get him back :lol:

That is so depressing but I wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic either. It’s the type of mentality I get off of Pogba.

I really hope it doesn’t happen because this guy will be very hated if he does this to a club in my opinion.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
As shown previously at Juventus and more recently with his French team performances, unless we get good players around Pogba, we are not going to get the best from him. Paul is not the player who makes others play, its better players around him, that bring out his best performances. Pogba needs the likes of Pirlo, Vidal, Evra and Tevez around him to get the best out of him.
 

el3mel

Full Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2016
Messages
43,735
Location
Egypt
As shown with his French team performances, unless we get good players around Pogba, we are not going to get the best from him. Paul is not the player who makes others play, its better players around him, that bring out his best performances. Pogba needs the likes of Pirlo, Vidal, Evra and Tevez around him to get the best out of him.
Then we shouldn't have brought him from the start ? I mean this logic is actually crazy, you don't bring a top class player and think the only way to get the best of him is to just fill your entire team with world class players like him. If you have a team full of world class players you won't need Pogba that much either.
 

JB7

Full Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
8,826
As shown previously at Juventus and more recently with his French team performances, unless we get good players around Pogba, we are not going to get the best from him. Paul is not the player who makes others play, its better players around him, that bring out his best performances. Pogba needs the likes of Pirlo, Vidal, Evra and Tevez around him to get the best out of him.
Indeed. It's not Pogbas fault he's so inconsistent, it is clearly Fernandes, Cavani, Rashford, Greenwood etc at fault for not being good enough for him.
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
Scout
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
65,344
Location
France
As shown previously at Juventus and more recently with his French team performances, unless we get good players around Pogba, we are not going to get the best from him. Paul is not the player who makes others play, its better players around him, that bring out his best performances. Pogba needs the likes of Pirlo, Vidal, Evra and Tevez around him to get the best out of him.
I don't know if I follow the logic here what you say applies to all footballers, you get the best out of them individually when they are surrounded by players of similar level. That's the situation in all top teams.
 
Last edited:

Nori-

Full Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2015
Messages
1,176
I think we can all agree he hasn't lived up to expectations at United.

In my opinion, offer him a new contract to protect his value, give him 1 more year at the club and if its another dud, sell him next year rather than losing him for free.
 

izzydiggler

Full Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2006
Messages
3,098
I’d be surprised if he stays...I think it’s going to drag out for months whilst Raiola whores him out. United will pay more than most though, so will be interesting.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
Then we shouldn't have brought him from the start ? I mean this logic is actually crazy, you don't bring a top class player and think the only way to get the best of him is to just fill your entire team with world class players like him. If you have a team full of world class players you won't need Pogba that much either.
I think the mistake was in thinking that Pogba's presence alone would act as a 'spark' to others around him.

Apart from a season or so back in a second-half twenty minute spell versus Man City when Paul and Sanchez together took City apart and other games (notably against Spurs) some individual excellent long balls up to Rashford, its hard to see exceptional instances when Pogba has been the catalyst.
He has whoever in a single moment of his own, been our match winner on a few occasions.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
I don't know if I follow the logic here what you say applies to all footballers, you get the best out of theme individual when they are surrounded by players of similar level. That's the situation in all top teams.
True, but we haven't done that have we?
 

el3mel

Full Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2016
Messages
43,735
Location
Egypt
I think the mistake was in thinking that Pogba's presence alone would act as a 'spark' to others around him.

Apart from a season or so back in a second-half twenty minute spell versus Man City when Paul and Sanchez together took City apart and other games (notably against Spurs) some individual excellent long balls up to Rashford, its hard to see exceptional instances when Pogba has been the catalyst.
He has whoever in a single moment of his own, been our match winner on a few occasions.
But this is the idea. He should have been the catalyst. A player who elevates his own team. Otherwise it wasn't worth the effort and money to buy him, if the only way to get the best of him is to buy ton more world class players. Could have just saved his money and bought those other world class players and we would have done well without him anyway. I mean what would be the point of him when we have a team full of great players ?
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
Scout
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
65,344
Location
France
True, but we haven't done that have we?
Which brings the question, what were people's expectation from the transfer? Sometimes it seems that the expectations was that Pogba would turn the club into what it was under SAF or makes it challenge City which is something that I have always found baffling because every summers the caf is convinced that we have a dozen of players in our deadwood shed. People know that the team isn't elite but they expect regular elite performances which is quite obviously not a thing in ideal circumstances and even less when you aren't surrounded by top players.

On a personal level Pogba fulfilled my expectations, I didn't thought that he was as good as some thought and he has roughly played around the level I expected, my only issue and concern has been injuries and what I feel is an athletic decline. That last point makes me wary of a potential pricy extension.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
Indeed. It's not Pogbas fault he's so inconsistent, it is clearly Fernandes, Cavani, Rashford, Greenwood etc at fault for not being good enough for him.
You could take that view, but I was suggesting that at Juventus and with the French team, the playing styles of these teams, allows for and promotes the interaction; it is not left to five or so star players, all playing their individual own game, to some how magically all come together.

Quite often watching us, that is exactly what we get, only Bruno is in anyway able to be described as a player who makes others play.
When all the above are on their top form and the opposition does not retreat behind a eight or nine men defensive wall, then we have a chance.

The original point was that Pogba's arrival was greeted by an expectation that with him in the side even our moderately good players would improve as a result of his presence, I am saying that apart from one or two situations, that never really happened.
 

Hugh Jass

Shave Dass
Joined
Apr 16, 2016
Messages
11,244
Too much drama. I think we are better off rid of him. I feel bad for him in a way because he did not set the transfer fee we paid for him.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
Which brings the question, what were people's expectation from the transfer? Sometimes it seems that the expectations was that Pogba would turn the club into what it was under SAF or makes it challenge City which is something that I have always found baffling because every summers the caf is convinced that we have a dozen of players in our deadwood shed. People know that the team isn't elite but they expect regular elite performances which is quite obviously not a thing in ideal circumstances and even less when you aren't surrounded by top players.

On a personal level Pogba fulfilled my expectations, I didn't thought that he was as good as some thought and he has roughly played around the level I expected, my only issue and concern has been injuries and what I feel is an athletic decline. That last point makes me wary of a potential pricy extension.
I think in many peoples minds that was exactly the lines along which many were thinking and/or that Pogba's presence would re-ignite the SAF ethos and belief system at OT, precisely because we all knew he had the potential to be a great player, but his impact on others was sadly over-rated.
 

RedDevil@84

Full Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2014
Messages
21,547
Location
USA
I wish we were ruthless and get rid of him. Not that I think he is useless or think he is not good enough for us. But I can't stop thinking that the drama and circus is just around the corner.
Once he signs that extension, in a few months we will be talking about why he is not enjoying his life, who is to be blamed etc etc
 

Hugh Jass

Shave Dass
Joined
Apr 16, 2016
Messages
11,244
I wish we were ruthless and get rid of him. Not that I think he is useless or think he is not good enough for us. But I can't stop thinking that the drama and circus is just around the corner.
Once he signs that extension, in a few months we will be talking about why he is not enjoying his life, who is to be blamed etc etc
I concur.
 

Maluco

Last Man Standing 3 champion 2019/20
Joined
Jan 4, 2014
Messages
5,765
I have no time for him. My least favourite starter in the last 20 years. At least players like Ashley Young, who are asked to play out of position and are frustrating, give their all and know what it means to play for Manchester United.

This guy never shuts his mouth and has been a distraction since shortly after his arrival. He doesn’t even offer anything consistent, apart from running his mouth.

He should be sold this summer and shouldn’t be given any choice in the matter. Get a lesser player in, ok, but get one that really wants to play for this club.
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
Scout
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
65,344
Location
France
I think in many peoples minds that was exactly the lines along which many were thinking and/or that Pogba's presence would re-ignite the SAF ethos and belief system at OT, precisely because we all knew he had the potential to be a great player, but his impact on others was sadly over-rated.
But that's a bit daft, not even Messi would do that. And one tries to apply that logic to Juventus how strong where they when not only they had Pogba but also Tevez, Dybala, Chiellini, Bonucci, Vidal, Pirlo or Marchisio? In the mean time we had Ibrahimovic for a part of a season, growing Rashfords and Martials until Maguire and Fernandes arrived in 2019/2020.
 

Champagne Football

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2015
Messages
4,187
Location
El Beatle
The club will not pay him the 400,000+ that he will look for. He's not worth that salary to Man Utd despite being important for us. It would be De Gea all over again. A player getting paid much higher the salary they are truly worth to us.

Raiola knows Juventus and PSG will pay him that if he's on a free.

I think the false reports today were possibly leaked by Raiola to try and panic PSG or Juve into signing him this window, if they falsely believe he's about to extend at Utd.
 

theklr

Full Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2019
Messages
2,659
As long as we get something back for him this summer I’ll be happy. Losing a 89m player on a free is just.... so so bad
 

Hugh Jass

Shave Dass
Joined
Apr 16, 2016
Messages
11,244
As long as we get something back for him this summer I’ll be happy. Losing a 89m player on a free is just.... so so bad
True. Losing in for free initially. Then resigning him for about 40 million too much. Then losing him again for free would be terrible.
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
Scout
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
65,344
Location
France
The club will not pay him the 400,000+ that he will look for. He's not worth that salary to Man Utd despite being important for us. It would be De Gea all over again. A player getting paid much higher the salary they are truly worth to us.

Raiola knows Juventus and PSG will pay him that if he's on a free.

I think the false reports today were possibly leaked by Raiola to try and panic PSG or Juve into signing him this window, if they falsely believe he's about to extend at Utd.
Which false reports?
 

ManUtdAceOfSpades

New Member
Newbie
Joined
Jun 10, 2021
Messages
2
Location
London
Irreplaceable player when on form, think he realises this along with agent but age catching up lad..make your decision asap. Biggest downside is contract done in 18 months or so

getting shades of lukaku leaving :mad::mad::mad: and complete turnaround to already a remarkable player but hey I guess no player is bigger than the club.
 

Maticmaker

Full Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
4,616
But that's a bit daft, not even Messi would do that. And one tries to apply that logic to Juventus how strong where they when not only they had Pogba but also Tevez, Dybala, Chiellini, Bonucci, Vidal, Pirlo or Marchisio? In the mean time we had Ibrahimovic for a part of a season, growing Rashfords and Martials until Maguire and Fernandes arrived in 2019/2020.
Yes it was, but such was the 'giddyness' overtaking many United fans at the time, of the prospect that the 'great one that got away' ( or as some say was driven away by SAF, especially when he brought Scholesy out of retirement) the expectation on Pogba's return was very high; at last many thought, that besides De Gea we would now have another WC player in the team!
"Heady days" indeed.
 

He'sRaldo

Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2019
Messages
3,198
Reckon he'll leave.

And then we'll finally see, once and for all, who between him and us was more at fault for the last few years.
 

DickDastardly

New Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2015
Messages
7,298
Location
Mean machine 00
Surely this guy can’t be thinking about leaving twice on a free out of the same club after they spent 80 million to get him back :lol:

That is so depressing but I wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic either. It’s the type of mentality I get off of Pogba.

I really hope it doesn’t happen because this guy will be very hated if he does this to a club in my opinion.
Shit, that's the same type of mentality we're all getting from him.

Oh the hype.....the hope....and then came the dissapointment....the harsh reality he's just not what we need. Before, now, and in the future.


It all boils down to the simple fact that the Old man knew all along - let him go.

Hope he has a great tournament so we could at least get some money for him.
 

MadDogg

Full Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
15,809
Location
Manchester Utd never lose, just run out of time
Then we shouldn't have brought him from the start ? I mean this logic is actually crazy, you don't bring a top class player and think the only way to get the best of him is to just fill your entire team with world class players like him. If you have a team full of world class players you won't need Pogba that much either.
I would say it's more the system around him rather than the level of the individual players. At Juve he was part of a balanced midfield where he was the most attacking with a fair bit of freedom. The other two did more defensive duties and one of them was also a proper playmaker/controller to share that duty with Pogba. In other words, it was a properly functioning midfield.

With us he's spent the majority of his time playing as one of the deeper midfielders himself, and most of the time even when he's had two more defensive midfielders with him they've had no playmaking ability so he's still had to drop into that position himself. The only two times we came remotely close to replicating a similar system as he played at Juve, we did well. First with Carrick-Herrera-Pogba in 16/17 which was the best we played that season, and then the Matic-Herrera-Pogba combo that we saw on-and-off to great success (from memory after starting with two draws and a loss that combo proceeded to win 17 in a row before Herrera left).

That position is no longer available because of the signing of Bruno and how well he's done, so I personally think we should sell Pogba and reinvest that money into somebody suitable for the deeper position. But I'll always consider our use of Pogba during his first three and a half years to be utter stupidity and a failure that hurt both him and, more importantly for us of course, the team.
 

jlecesne

Full Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2013
Messages
571
On one hand I’ll be pretty annoyed if he ends up leaving on a free at the end of his contract. But on the other, I’m glad we didn’t capitulate to Raiola’s bellyaching in the press and sell him when it didn’t make sense for us. He signed a contract to play football for loads of money and we held his feet to the fire on it. Again, bad business to buy a player for £90 million and lose him for nothing. But, I’d rather that than get bullied by some agent.

Hopefully he signs and if we want to move on from him at some point we can actually collect some kind of transfer fee for him.