Yeah I agree on the whole, except I do think he can play in the pivot albeit alongside the right defensive partner.
Especially now we have Varane in defence with Maguire. We should now push up as a unit which will help in general, alongside the fact Pogba won’t be babysitting Lindelof.
IMO there is a strong argument to be made that this would work against 90% of opposition.
Then there’s the argument that he provides a lot more from the left than Rashford does - I don’t necessarily subscribe to that as I value Rashford inclusion.
In summary I’d argue his talent and match winning capabilities should dictate he finds a place in the starting 11.
Particularly becuase he will be extremely difficult and costly to replace and we are in need of a top level DM regardless of whether Pogba stays or goes (a top DM that I’d use to partner him in the pivot against said 90% of teams.)
Interesting points
About Pogba in double-pivot alright against 90% of teams:
of course that makes sense but we have to consider teams adjusting to our system. Remember the Mourinho (and to a degree even LVG) days: teams weren't afraid to have a go at us because they knew, we are not good at making quick turnovers. Something like that could happen again to push Pogba to his own goal. And then we could see the same stuff we hated back then, him being further away from opposition goal, dawdling on the ball, yadda yadda. So yeah, of course - keeping him will give us this option. Which certainly is a good thing. But a sure-thing for 90% of the league, don't think so. At least not for longer than a while.
Him and Rashford on the left:
I dont think, Pogba provides more on the left. It is just different. It is great to have such strong options to keep opponents guessing how you will set up, deep and waiting for counters with pace from Rashford, Greenwood and Sancho fed by Bruno or dominant with Pogba drifting infield creating a second playmaker. If both are in great form, leave Greenwood out or Sancho. Thats what competition for places looks like.
How to replace:
granted, I think it is next to impossible to find another player who combines the physical attributes and the footballing capabilities on such a high level. But we don't have to go for a like for like replacement. We have to identify what service we need, what roles need to be manned. And then you could go for example for Jorginho-type player if you want a DLP or you go for a more N'dombele style player when you want a ball carrier. I think, using that approach is way more productive than just looking for players with the same skill set.
Because of Pogba's age a new contract will be dangerous for the club: he's now at his max earning potential but it's likely he'll be playing below his current level for the second half of a 4 or 5yr contract.
...
The safest thing to do for the club is to offer him a slightly more generous 3+1yr contract, but he'll want longer than that.
Good post. Agree with that.