Does Ole know how to get the best out of Pogba? (Tactical Analysis)

[Raees]

Under Mourinho, Pogba's love for Manchester United and love for the game dissipated. Had it not been for Covid-19, he probably already would not even be at this club but for now, he still is a United player and rumours seem to indicate he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

For me there is no doubt that towards the end of last season, there was signs of Pogba finally enjoying his football again with many salivating about his partnership with Bruno Fernandes. But once again, there was also subtle signs that all wasn't right with Pogba from a tactical perspective and that he looked ill-at-ease with the deeper role expected of him compared to the free role given to Bruno. Whilst on paper they are both the 'advanced 8s' ala Silva and KDB, in truth Bruno had more 'licence to kill'. Is this a situation that is potentially going to be a source of conflict in the season ahead? and how do we avoid it...

In my opinion, Pogba cannot be the sole 'creator' of the team, so in this sense, the presence of Bruno is vital but at the same time, Pogba must also be released from defensive shackles and dropping too deep.. doing the xavi/Scholsey 'regista' stuff. He can do it in patches but not for 90 minutes and every game, his passing is far too inconsistent. For me the third midfielder in a trio, assuming a diamond is not used has to be capable of carrying out the defensive workload single-handedly and also be very gifted on the ball... thus taking some pressure of Pogba in terms of his game in our own half. A young version of Matic would be perfect.

I also think Pogba's relationship with Evra at Juve is very much overlooked in terms of how it brought the best out of him. I do not see the same chemistry with Luke Shaw. For me, he needs a proper attacking left back who can allow Pogba to combine with that player and roam off the flank. He needs a set up which allows him to work down this inside left channel.

Anyway guys, what do you make of Pogba under Ole so far... do you think he is going to continue to remain an enigma, or are we finally going to see Pogba hit the heights he showed at Juve and some?

 

[sp_107]

Under Mourinho, Pogba's love for Manchester United and love for the game dissipated. Had it not been for Covid-19, he probably already would not even be at this club but for now, he still is a United player and rumours seem to indicate he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

For me there is no doubt that towards the end of last season, there was signs of Pogba finally enjoying his football again with many salivating about his partnership with Bruno Fernandes. But once again, there was also subtle signs that all wasn't right with Pogba from a tactical perspective and that he looked ill-at-ease with the deeper role expected of him compared to the free role given to Bruno. Whilst on paper they are both the 'advanced 8s' ala Silva and KDB, in truth Bruno had more 'licence to kill'. Is this a situation that is potentially going to be a source of conflict in the season ahead? and how do we avoid it...

In my opinion, Pogba cannot be the sole 'creator' of the team, so in this sense, the presence of Bruno is vital but at the same time, Pogba must also be released from defensive shackles and dropping too deep.. doing the xavi/Scholsey 'regista' stuff. He can do it in patches but not for 90 minutes and every game, his passing is far too inconsistent. For me the third midfielder in a trio, assuming a diamond is not used has to be capable of carrying out the defensive workload single-handedly and also be very gifted on the ball... thus taking some pressure of Pogba in terms of his game in our own half.

I also think Pogba's relationship with Evra at Juve is very much overlooked in terms of how it brought the best out of him. I do not see the same chemistry with Luke Shaw. For me, he needs a proper attacking left back who can allow Pogba to combine with that player and roam off the flank. He needs a set up which allows him to work down this inside left channel.

Anyway guys, what do you make of Pogba under Ole so far... do you think he is going to continue to remain an enigma, or are we finally going to see Pogba hit the heights he showed at Juve and some?

I still think he is world class but you answered his problems in your post itself like he need certain kind of players around to bring the best out of him.

I hope it is the opposite that he can bring the best out of others and also doing it consistently. In brief I am happy to have him and hope he wont end up just as a fair weather player.

Pirlo and Merchesio made lot of difference to Pauls game at Juve where he could afford a mistake but here he is under microscope and lot of responsibility until Bruno comes in.

 

[NYAS]

Under Mourinho, Pogba's love for Manchester United and love for the game dissipated. Had it not been for Covid-19, he probably already would not even be at this club but for now, he still is a United player and rumours seem to indicate he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

For me there is no doubt that towards the end of last season, there was signs of Pogba finally enjoying his football again with many salivating about his partnership with Bruno Fernandes. But once again, there was also subtle signs that all wasn't right with Pogba from a tactical perspective and that he looked ill-at-ease with the deeper role expected of him compared to the free role given to Bruno. Whilst on paper they are both the 'advanced 8s' ala Silva and KDB, in truth Bruno had more 'licence to kill'. Is this a situation that is potentially going to be a source of conflict in the season ahead? and how do we avoid it...

In my opinion, Pogba cannot be the sole 'creator' of the team, so in this sense, the presence of Bruno is vital but at the same time, Pogba must also be released from defensive shackles and dropping too deep.. doing the xavi/Scholsey 'regista' stuff. He can do it in patches but not for 90 minutes and every game, his passing is far too inconsistent. For me the third midfielder in a trio, assuming a diamond is not used has to be capable of carrying out the defensive workload single-handedly and also be very gifted on the ball... thus taking some pressure of Pogba in terms of his game in our own half. A young version of Matic would be perfect.

I also think Pogba's relationship with Evra at Juve is very much overlooked in terms of how it brought the best out of him. I do not see the same chemistry with Luke Shaw. For me, he needs a proper attacking left back who can allow Pogba to combine with that player and roam off the flank. He needs a set up which allows him to work down this inside left channel.

Anyway guys, what do you make of Pogba under Ole so far... do you think he is going to continue to remain an enigma, or are we finally going to see Pogba hit the heights he showed at Juve and some?

Do you own this YouTube channel?

 

[Bilbo]

He'll continue to remain an enigma, because he doesn't seem to be the type of player/person that will put together extended spells of top, top form.

Expectations of him have always been slightly OTT from our fanbase IMO. He doesn't have to run games and he doesn't always have to play, and i don't think it would hurt for us to occasionally ask what more Pogba can do for us rather than always wondering if we are doing enough for him.

 

[AgentP]

Wonderful video. I enjoyed the analysis. Maybe we should target Partey instead of Thiago. One thing I’m disappointed with Pogba is his long range shots. For his ability, he should be much better at it. He tries to curl the ball into the top corner like Rooney instead of just putting his laces through it.

 

[#07]

I thought Pogba was our best player against Sevilla. Until he, and the team, tired in the second half Sevilla couldn't cope with him. He dominated the midfield. I think he's fine playing in a double pivot. I just think fatigue and being overplayed caught up to him a bit at the end of last season. No issues with how Old uses him.

 

[Zen86]

I thought Pogba was our best player against Sevilla. Until he, and the team, tired in the second half Sevilla couldn't cope with him. He dominated the midfield. I think he's fine playing in a double pivot. I just think fatigue and being overplayed caught up to him a bit at the end of last season. No issues with how Old uses him.

All that dancing during his injury spell must’ve worn him out

 

[Shark]

Some of the unwarranted backlash he gets is quite weird but it's also weird how some have to defend him by saying "he was our best player" when he definitely wasn't. I honestly can't remember the last time he was far and away out best player, most of his performances range from 7 to 8's by his standards. He rarely hits a 9 or 10 since he's come here.

 

[Raees]

He'll continue to remain an enigma, because he doesn't seem to be the type of player/person that will put together extended spells of top, top form.

Expectations of him have always been slightly OTT from our fanbase IMO. He doesn't have to run games and he doesn't always have to play, and i don't think it would hurt for us to occasionally ask what more Pogba can do for us rather than always wondering if we are doing enough for him.

I think he's a very niche player and in a club which traditionally fails to cater for that type of player i.e. Mata/Veron, it was always going to prove difficult to maximise his potential here and turn him into that regular 8-9/10 player.

Wonderful video. I enjoyed the analysis. Maybe we should target Partey instead of Thiago. One thing I’m disappointed with Pogba is his long range shots. For his ability, he should be much better at it. He tries to curl the ball into the top corner like Rooney instead of just putting his laces through it.

It is very strange. His top level is insane.. some of his goals are out of this world, but KDB has a more reliable technique to fall back on and that is what makes him much more consistent. Pogba has a more spectacular follow through which is more prone to error.

Wonderful video. I enjoyed the analysis. Maybe we should target Partey instead of Thiago. One thing I’m disappointed with Pogba is his long range shots. For his ability, he should be much better at it. He tries to curl the ball into the top corner like Rooney instead of just putting his laces through it.

I think Thiago would be a better signing than VDB but yes in an ideal world, Partey ticks all the boxes for me.. I will be livid if we let Arsenal get him.

Do you own this YouTube channel?

Yes mate.

 

[He'sRaldo]

All that dancing during his injury spell must’ve worn him out

 

[Raees]

Predicted it but I seriously do not see this Pogba and Bruno partnership working long term. Leaves us wide open and Pogba deep is a catastrophe.. he can't defend at a high level, he can't pass consistently and doesn't play at a fast enough tempo. He is a luxury player who can only fit into very tailored set ups IMO and he will never get that at a dysfunctional club like United. I would personally sell him and look to use the money to rebuild the midfield, new CDM and new CM.

 

[dev1l]

Predicted it but I seriously do not see this Pogba and Bruno partnership working long term. Leaves us wide open and Pogba deep is a catastrophe.. he can't defend at a high level, he can't pass consistently and doesn't play at a fast enough tempo. He is a luxury player who can only fit into very tailored set ups IMO and he will never get that at a dysfunctional club like United. I would personally sell him and look to use the money to rebuild the midfield, new CDM and new CM.

Tbf today wasn't about tatics but about a player who couldn't be arsed

 

[The Cat]

Predicted it but I seriously do not see this Pogba and Bruno partnership working long term. Leaves us wide open and Pogba deep is a catastrophe.. he can't defend at a high level, he can't pass consistently and doesn't play at a fast enough tempo. He is a luxury player who can only fit into very tailored set ups IMO and he will never get that at a dysfunctional club like United. I would personally sell him and look to use the money to rebuild the midfield, new CDM and new CM.

Yep 100%

 

[charlenefan]

Does anyone?

 

[VP89]

Tbf today wasn't about tatics but about a player who couldn't be arsed

Maybe Ole isn't getting the best out of him?

 

[dev1l]

Maybe Ole isn't getting the best out of him?

He doesn't want to be here.

 

[Josep Dowling]

Obviously not as he wouldn’t play him a midfield two. He’s diabolical in this position. Should be dropped and I would be happy to see him sold.

 

[Raees]

Tbf today wasn't about tatics but about a player who couldn't be arsed

Even if he was arsed, he would struggle there. It takes too much tactical effort to get him to play well.. it is not worth the hassle.

 

[sp_107]

He doesn't want to be here.

Then he should feck off. Why no one is coming for him ? Dont want to see this sh1te hanging at club for another 5 years by extending his contract here.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

It's really strange,

Surely Ole must have witness plenty how lethal Pogba can be when he's free to attack in his first half-a-season as caretaker, having played him as the free attacking high pressor LCM in 3 men midfield with the other two focusing more on defense and control. He should have also witness this under Mourinho if he watches our games during those times.

The next season, straightaway new system and just from pre-season alone, we can see how limiting Pogba's performances are. The injuries he got earlier in a way "saved" him by hiding this, so more fans won't see it earlier, then we see it again once he's back post-lockdown. Clear as day.

It's clear which system and roles suit Pogba more, and which one has a better chance of getting better performances out of him.

The only problem next is just Pogba's motivations/interests really. Even in the right system, he can still give Pog performances.. the lame ones.

 

[AneRu]

Predicted it but I seriously do not see this Pogba and Bruno partnership working long term. Leaves us wide open and Pogba deep is a catastrophe.. he can't defend at a high level, he can't pass consistently and doesn't play at a fast enough tempo. He is a luxury player who can only fit into very tailored set ups IMO and he will never get that at a dysfunctional club like United. I would personally sell him and look to use the money to rebuild the midfield, new CDM and new CM.

When our interest in Bruno was reported I wondered about how we would fit the two in midfield. The thing with Pogba is that he lacks the mental application to play midfield at this level.

Even if you use him as a 10 he is easy to mark out of games and when you use him deep in midfield his defensive weaknesses expose the team. Imo the best way to use him and Bruno in one team is a flat 4-4-2 better known as 4-2-2-2 with him and Bruno as the two AM behind Martial and Rashford but we don't have the fullbacks for that formation.

 

[Jim Beam]

Yeah, once we got Bruno it was pretty much confirmed we are moving away from building a team around Pogba. Which is not completely unreasonable the way Pogba played in his years here and considering what is needed to get the best out of him. But, the way it is now, can't see it working.

Which is completely crazy though if you look at the whole picture atm. It would mean we need at least CB, DM, CM, RW and maybe RB going forward. And if you have that many question marks maybe the team and players are not a problem... In other words, if we don't improve by the end of this year, someone else should at least try to make it work before we commit to selling. I do have a feeling this is his last season here though.

 

[Rozay]

He’s in terrible form at the moment so probably not even the best time to discuss this, as he’s below even what should be expected of him in a less favoured role.

He’s an extremely talented player, but seems to require conditions to be just right for him to show his best form. His biggest issue is that he doesn’t fit into the profile of any conventional midfielder. Usually you can place a midfielder in one of a few boxes, and you know that they will generally have similar strengths within them, and often similar weaknesses. They also have similar physical traits pretty often. Pogba picks a few from each box, and it has led to not knowing how to deploy him or him knowing where he is supposed to be I think. From a young age, he was probably considered too tall and strong to not have defensive responsibility, but also too skilled and talented to not have a lot of offensive responsibility. The thing is, despite his frame, he doesn’t have the mobility to defend well, and despite his talent, he doesn’t really have the amount of goals, not consistently, to be relied upon to do the midfield’s share of that. As a result, coaches will not want to leave out their specialists in these roles, so they play too, and Pogba doesn’t compliment them well enough.

He seems to need perfect conditions, which IMO, for him, needs to be with one pure defensive midfielder, and a half defensive/half offensive one. That way, the DM isn’t left alone to defend, and he himself isn’t left alone to attack. Because he doesn’t score enough to be left alone to attack, and is too poor defensively to be entrusted to be the one to support the DM. Anything outside of that, he’ll feck things up soon enough I think, at least over a period of games.

All that being said, let that not detract from the fact that he is in particularly poor form at the moment, and this current version of Pogba isn’t the version that we would typically get, even in our current set up. He’s capable of, and has played, a lot better than this. There may still be the odd question asked, as there was after the restart, but he was still playing A LOT better than how he’s started the season. But right now, he should sit on the bench and Donny should play.

 

[clarkydaz]

dont think Ole has the stones to drop him

 

[AneRu]

He’s in terrible form at the moment so probably not even the best time to discuss this, as he’s below even what should be expected of him in a less favoured role.

He’s an extremely talented player, but seems to require conditions to be just right for him to show his best form. His biggest issue is that he doesn’t fit into the profile of any conventional midfielder. Usually you can place a midfielder in one of a few boxes, and you know that they will generally have similar strengths within them, and often similar weaknesses. They also have similar physical traits pretty often. Pogba picks a few from each box, and it has led to not knowing how to deploy him or him knowing where he is supposed to be I think. From a young age, he was probably considered too tall and strong to not have defensive responsibility, but also too skilled and talented to not have a lot of offensive responsibility. The thing is, despite his frame, he doesn’t have the mobility to defend well, and despite his talent, he doesn’t really have the amount of goals, not consistently, to be relied upon to do the midfield’s share of that. As a result, coaches will not want to leave out their specialists in these roles, so they play too, and Pogba doesn’t compliment them well enough.

He seems to need perfect conditions, which IMO, for him, needs to be with one pure defensive midfielder, and a half defensive/half offensive one. That way, the DM isn’t left alone to defend, and he himself isn’t left alone to attack. Because he doesn’t score enough to be left alone to attack, and is too poor defensively to be entrusted to be the one to support the DM. Anything outside of that, he’ll feck things up soon enough I think, at least over a period of games.

All that being said, let that not detract from the fact that he is in particularly poor form at the moment, and this current version of Pogba isn’t the version that we would typically get, even in our current set up. He’s capable of, and has played, a lot better than this. There may still be the odd question asked, as there was after the restart, but he was still playing A LOT better than how he’s started the season. But right now, he should sit on the bench and Donny should play.

Great point he needs help in both the defensive and offensive spheres of the pitch which is why Herrera was a perfect partner for him as he had the energy to do the running for him. Anything less you need prime Makalele to babysit him not someone like Matic who also needs a mobile partner to cover ground for him.

For now what Pogba needs shouldn't be a factor because he has been diabolical.

 

[Intheflatfield]

Why did Fergie get rid?

 

[Rozay]

Great point he needs help in both the defensive and offensive spheres of the pitch which is why Herrera was a perfect partner for him as he had the energy to do the running for him. Anything less you need prime Makalele to babysit him not someone like Matic who also needs a mobile partner to cover ground for him.

For now what Pogba needs shouldn't be a factor because he has been diabolical.

Indeed, Herrera with Matic was a good set up for him. Which is why I kept banging on before we signed Bruno that we should instead be looking to pay what Atleti want for Saúl. A much better version of Herrera. That was the sort of player we needed IF we wanted to persist with Pogba being central to the team. Not a number 10 to play with him.

And I agree, at this point, it is moot, we should play Donny and let him get some form back before we even discuss this.

 

[The Urban Goose]

dont think Ole has the stones to drop him

This is my biggest concern.

 

[zenith]

Play a 4-2-2-2 with Mctominay and Fred in a double pivot and bruno and pogba playing on front of them, slightly to the left and right of advanced midfield.

Now we have attacking full backs in telles and Williams so that too can be put to good use

 

[PSV]

Pretty sure this will go down as his downfall if he gets sacked -> his early ambition of building the team around Pogba instead of getting rid.

Cut him some slack now because of his recent sickness, but based off of the last few years I'm not even sure Pogba knows how to get the best out of Pogba.

 

[mariachi-19]

If he's going to play him at the moment, we need to play a diamond shape and have bruno playing further up the pitch and pogba as an attacking midfielder. Take the defensive duties off him and let him regain some confidence.

 

[AneRu]

Indeed, Herrera with Matic was a good set up for him. Which is why I kept banging on before we signed Bruno that we should instead be looking to pay what Atleti want for Saúl. A much better version of Herrera. That was the sort of player we needed IF we wanted to persist with Pogba being central to the team. Not a number 10 to play with him.

And I agree, at this point, it is moot, we should play Donny and let him get some form back before we even discuss this.

Bruno helped us a lot but his pursuit and signing is yet another episode that exhibits the lack of long term planning in our recruitment decisions. The only way Bruno made sense was if Pogba was out of the door come summer and we continue with the McFred double pivot behind him or bring in someone to improve on McFred. Reintegrating Pogba back into the fold only served to unbalance the midfield and expose the defence.

Play a 4-2-2-2 with Mctominay and Fred in a double pivot and bruno and pogba playing on front of them, slightly to the left and right of advanced midfield.

Now we have attacking full backs in telles and Williams so that too can be put to good use

I think a 4-2-2-2 is the best we can do should he find form because Pogba is such a liability defensively and careless in possession that you will always need to defensive players to clean up after him. We don't have a DM that is good enough to carry Pogba and Bruno at this level.

 

[dalriada]

There's no doubting Pogba's ability - too many players who've played with him rate him highly for them all to be wrong. That's not enough on its own.

I try very hard to find reasons why we should humour Pogba when he doesn't play well or ask if he's being mismanaged or played out of position, but I keep coming back to the conclusion that he's a fair weather player. There are players who will go out and fight for the badge - listen to Scott McTominay speak today - and I think Pogba isn't really one of them.

 

[Ludens the Red]

Bruno helped us a lot but his pursuit and signing is yet another episode that exhibits the lack of long term planning in our recruitment decisions. The only way Bruno made sense was if Pogba was out of the door come summer and we continue with the McFred double pivot behind him or bring in someone to improve on McFred. Reintegrating Pogba back into the fold only served to unbalance the midfield and expose the defence.

I think a 4-2-2-2 is the best we can do should he find form because Pogba is such a liability defensively and careless in possession that you will always need to defensive players to clean up after him. We don't have a DM that is good enough to carry Pogba and Bruno at this level.

that was the plan.After the Raiola crap it was clear that was the end game. Covid put an end to that and now he’s undroppable.

 

[bosnian_red]

Its always can a manager get the best out of him. I think we just overestimate what his best is. Hes just not that good overall and will never be more than a moments player.

 

[Bastian]

He doesn't know how to get the best out of the team, to be honest. It's way worse than the sum of its parts. We've had a couple of extended periods of good results, whilst the rest has been horrendous. The first period was the psychological boost, the glory days are back, until everyone believed in the hype on the back of the PSG away result. Then we had another boost with Bruno and players returning from injury until they were flogged to death.

His best displays as a manager have been masterminding counter-attacking wins against better opposition. He's probably suited more to that kind of level.

I keep harping on about this, but since Ole himself says he's not a coach/manager but a leader/manager, the real question should be do his coaches know how to get the best out of the team. That seems to be absolutely not the case.

 

[AneRu]

He doesn't know how to get the best out of the team, to be honest. It's way worse than the sum of its parts. We've had a couple of extended periods of good results, whilst the rest has been horrendous. The first period was the psychological boost, the glory days are back, until everyone believed in the hype on the back of the PSG away result. Then we had another boost with Bruno and players returning from injury until they were flogged to death.

His best displays as a manager have been masterminding counter-attacking wins against better opposition. He's probably suited more to that kind of level.

I keep harping on about this, but since Ole himself says he's not a coach/manager but a leader/manager, the real question should be do his coaches know how to get the best out of the team. That seems to be absolutely not the case.

I have noticed this and tbf he has done well to hold the team together during tough periods and is an excellent figurehead because, a bit like Zidane, he has played football at the top level and in the best teams.

However its incumbent on him to have the self awareness to accept that he isn't the best tactician around and bring an assistant that covers that gaping hole. Since he is a leader/manager then he has to have the helicopter view of things and see that the tactics that his assistants are drilling and the preparation of the team isn't up to scratch then make the necessary changes/additions.

 

[Sylar]

Surprised he wasn't subbed and Bruno was. I know which one of the two I would rather have if down to ten men and the game is pretty much finished

 

[eire-red]

Here we go again. Surely I can't be the only one sick of hearing about 'getting the best' out of Pogba?

I fully get what you are saying, and yes on his day he's a game changer and a world class player, but those days are few and far between.

For me, all the nonsense that seems to come with Pogba doesn't justify what he can occasionally do on the pitch. Sometimes, you just have to accept these things.

As a person he seems like a likeable guy, and I want him to do well, but I think we'd be a more balanced team without him.

It's a problem Ole needs to address, and quickly, because it could cost him his job if he doesn't. That midfield of Pogba and Matic doesn't have the legs to compete in modern day football, simple as.

 

[Bastian]

I have noticed this and tbf he has done well to hold the team together during tough periods and is an excellent figurehead because, a bit like Zidane, he has played football at the top level and in the best teams.

However its incumbent on him to have the self awareness to accept that he isn't the best tactician around and bring an assistant that covers that gaping hole. Since he is a leader/manager then he has to have the helicopter view of things and see that the tactics that his assistants are drilling and the preparation of the team isn't up to scratch then make the necessary changes/additions.

I think he's taking that out of SAFs locker. But SAF is a different species altogether. Ole was a good player who was extremely loyal and professional. And he scored the most historic goal in the club's history. As a manager he has toed the line, praised the board, contradicted himself numerous times in his public messaging and brought in one coach, Phelan, and that despite admitting he's not a coach/manager.

On his watch we have continued to massively overspend for players and continued to extend the contracts of players who are not good enough. Things he has endorsed, if not asked for. He has shown little to none in-game management and the leadership during matches is lacking. And by and large we have played terribly, he's run players into the ground, mismanaged players coming back from injuries and played players whilst they were injured, whilst not protecting them in the media (like James when we should have seen a yellow per game for fouls against him).

There is just no evidence that he is good enough. He's backed on sentiment. He got us third last season so he earned it. I even bought into that craziness, thinking he's earned it, whilst knowing (OK, feeling) that he's nowhere near good enough.

He won't be sacked any time soon, but we need coaches in who can - with authority - start to develop this team.