I'm talking about the Premier League. But if you want to big up Lingard with stats against cannon fodder teams in meaningless games, by all means do so. In the Premier League, he's 2 weeks away from celebrating 1 year without a goal. That you think that this is acceptable or worth defending is bizarre.
Where to fit Pogba?
- Thread starter ThinkTank@Cafe
- Start date
I'd probably take £150m for him, but that doesn't mean he doesn't slot straight into the side at #10, no questions asked. We're talking about replacing Lingard, Pereira or Mata here, it's not a difficult sell.
Are you seriously using that to defend Lingard? He scored his first goal in almost a year against Astana... even defenders would be embarrassed for the stats Lingard can show.
I was being sarcastic. Of course they would finish top 4 in the Premier League
Really? You think Chelsea or Leicester are stronger? Umkay.
Premiership is a different animal bro, if PSG try riding it they'll get bucked. They'd probably finish top 4 within 3 seasons though I reckon.
We'll never know, and yours is pure conjecture. I'd say on evidence of their recent showings against English clubs in the CL they would contend for the title.
Relax Fred has played well in 2 games that we won. We draw or lose v Everton and Fred is useless again.
He has already indicated he wants to move on. If the hearts not in it then move along and somebody else can pay his wages.
I agree but what if he can’t go in January? What if he starts enjoying his football in a new team that feels like it may actually be going somewhere? What if by the end of the season he’s changed his mind and wants to stay while playing great football surrounded by the speed of Rashford, DJ and Martial? What if mate?
That’s a lot of what ifs!
What if our current form falters and we are back to being 10th or lower??? See anyone can play this game.
To answer IF he has a change of heart he better damn well show it on the pitch! That’s where it counts
Yes it is, life itself is one big list of 'what ifs' and I like it that way!
Then we (the club) have to look at what Ole is doing and decide whether he is the right man for the job. I've long been of the opinion he has looked out of his depth but while results and performances improve, I'm also willing to let him get on with it.
100% agreed. I'm no PP lover by the way, while I have no doubt the guy is mega talented and with hindsight, was he worth anywhere near what we paid for him? No. Have we got our moneys worth? No way, but what if ... ?
What if he miraculously and conveniently gets back to full fitness in about two weeks time but nobody comes up with the readies for him? Highly likely. Then, end of January, suddenly has a recurrence of the "ankle injury" which comes good again around the end of April? Highly likely.
feck off Poggers and take that odious slob of an adviser with you.
feck off Poggers and take that odious slob of an adviser with you.
Most likely outcome, and he can take the fat slob of an agent with him. I'd love to personally tell Pogba you've flopped at United and being in the prem.
This theory doesn't suit anyone whatsoever though. Not the selling club, the buyer or the player. It's just typical Pogba hate guff.
Pogba doesn't have to fit. He walks into the team!
Push Pogba where Lingard and Pereira were playing. It would also create a lot more space for Martial, Rashford and James. Pogba has to be more tightly marked than any other player and probably they have to put two to mark him around the box. It would be less pressure on our midfield and our defense. He is no slouch and can shoot a lot better from long range than either Lingard or Periera. Also a threat on free kicks and corners.
I hope Ole doesn't drop Fred or McTominay to bring back Pogba.
I hope Ole doesn't drop Fred or McTominay to bring back Pogba.
As a Pogba fan, I am also looking forward to seeing him back, but in my opinion his best position is not no. 10. His strengths are his (1) physical ability, allowing him to hold onto ball; (2) dribbling skills to bring the ball from back to front; (3) ridiculous passing range for quick transition. This skill set means he is more suitable for a deeper role responsible for organizing attack as well as antipressing, instead of a purely offensive duty.
On the other hand, he has certain weaknesses if he is played as a no. 10. His preference in dwelling onto ball sometimes delays attack and misses the best attacking opportunity. He is also not known for his pace, which may put him on a different wavelength against his teammates like James and Rashford. His inconsistency is another worry if we regard him as a no. 10.
Of course, Fred and McTominay's impressive performance in recent matches shouldn't be left unnoticed. It would be interesting to see how Ole arranges the gametime among them. In my opinion, we have already been lacking depth in midfield, it would be unwise to start all of them at the same time, especially with the upcoming congested fixtures.
On the other hand, he has certain weaknesses if he is played as a no. 10. His preference in dwelling onto ball sometimes delays attack and misses the best attacking opportunity. He is also not known for his pace, which may put him on a different wavelength against his teammates like James and Rashford. His inconsistency is another worry if we regard him as a no. 10.
Of course, Fred and McTominay's impressive performance in recent matches shouldn't be left unnoticed. It would be interesting to see how Ole arranges the gametime among them. In my opinion, we have already been lacking depth in midfield, it would be unwise to start all of them at the same time, especially with the upcoming congested fixtures.
The same PSG with Mbappe and Neymar?
PSG may not be good as Liverpool or City, but they would surely be at least level above the rest and challenge on all fronts. They have a deep squad and world-class players.
Does he suit our current fast transitions? I always think of him as dawdling too long on the ball more so than anyone else in our team if I’m honest. If anyone’s getting tackled because they’ve got themselves in a spot it’s usually Paul. I would say he opens us up a lot to the counter himself. Perhaps as the AM this won’t happen as much? I think for the cash we would get for him we could buy an actual top drawer AM and a striker.
We are playing some very direct football and him in the AM role could actually hinder that. He would no doubt want everything through him instead and he’d make it easier to stop for the opposition when not on his game. Which let’s be honest, is too often.
Number 10 with Fred and McTominay behind him.
I felt that was our best midfield 3 when we signed Fred but they haven't been picked enough together. Its clear as day now and if Pogba doesn't work in that system then he has to be moved on because he doesn't want to play as a 6 or 8. Even though he has the talent to be a success in either position. Discipline is his issue so number 10 is the only position for him.
I felt that was our best midfield 3 when we signed Fred but they haven't been picked enough together. Its clear as day now and if Pogba doesn't work in that system then he has to be moved on because he doesn't want to play as a 6 or 8. Even though he has the talent to be a success in either position. Discipline is his issue so number 10 is the only position for him.
Actually I'm quite surprised that so many think Pogba would hinder our counter-attacking football. Yes he doesn't have lightning pace, and yes he likes to dawdle on the ball at times, but don't forget about his ridiculous passing range and athleticism. Over the past few years he has brought us so many goals from fast break, including James' goal against Chelsea this season. His delicate through passes behind the opposition's defence is also crucial for runners to chase.
I think the problem with Pogba is the respect (or rather lack of) that he shows to his team mates. Obviously I dont know the guy and I actually think behind the mask of his Instagram world he may be a really decent humble guy. However all the handwaving and feet stamping when things dont go his way must p155 of the likes of Rashford, Martial and co.
He isnt the 1st and wont be the last, but when it came from say Rooney, at least you saw him willing to give his absolute best on the pitch every single game.
When Zlatan was here it appeared that Pogba had great respect for him on the pitch... and replacing Jose wilth Ole probably had reinforced Pogba thinking (knowing?) he is the most important player.
When things go well then Pogba is probably great for the team, but we need someone to step up and have the balls to tell hom to improve if he isnt giving everything. At the moment I only see Maguire remotely capable of doing that now that he is settled in. Possibly Rashford in a while if he continues his upward trajectory. It may be an area to think abiut when we mext go into the transfer market.... look for a leader on the pitch to drag Pogba (and Martial) out of their occasional sulking.
He isnt the 1st and wont be the last, but when it came from say Rooney, at least you saw him willing to give his absolute best on the pitch every single game.
When Zlatan was here it appeared that Pogba had great respect for him on the pitch... and replacing Jose wilth Ole probably had reinforced Pogba thinking (knowing?) he is the most important player.
When things go well then Pogba is probably great for the team, but we need someone to step up and have the balls to tell hom to improve if he isnt giving everything. At the moment I only see Maguire remotely capable of doing that now that he is settled in. Possibly Rashford in a while if he continues his upward trajectory. It may be an area to think abiut when we mext go into the transfer market.... look for a leader on the pitch to drag Pogba (and Martial) out of their occasional sulking.
Strange this thread was closed and we were told to post in the player performance thread, but this one is allowed.
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/play-pogba-number-10.450258
Anyway, I think Fred's emergence will force Pogba to play as a 10, and I think it could be the beginning of something special. He'll enjoy the position more, and if we finish top 4 while continuing to beat the top teams, I think he'll stay.
https://www.redcafe.net/threads/play-pogba-number-10.450258
Anyway, I think Fred's emergence will force Pogba to play as a 10, and I think it could be the beginning of something special. He'll enjoy the position more, and if we finish top 4 while continuing to beat the top teams, I think he'll stay.
Anywhere. Just get him on the pitch.
Apparently not good enough to get into this midfield. Hopefully back next week.
As always, he walks back into the team with a blindfold and one leg.
As always, he’s the best player at the club by an absolute mile.
As always, he’s the best player at the club by an absolute mile.
Don't bring him back, he doesn't run like Lingard and Mctominay
Even with a broken leg he would offer more than Lingard did today...
But we will miss the pressing that Lingard brings 
Where to fit Pogba
As it's always been, it's Pogba, then the rest of the team.
As it's always been, it's Pogba, then the rest of the team.
It's not a dumb question to ask, if you stick him in a midfield two he can be infuriating with his ball losses and running down blind alleys. The first few games of the season with Mctom were not great- 5 points from 4 games i think.
There's a role for him in this team as an advanced 8/number 10 i think. His best form at the club was with Matic and Herrera doing a lot of the work and allowing him to concentrate on creating and getting on the end of chances. I'm hoping Fred and Mctom can help him in this regard. On paper that actually looks a decent midfield.
There's a role for him in this team as an advanced 8/number 10 i think. His best form at the club was with Matic and Herrera doing a lot of the work and allowing him to concentrate on creating and getting on the end of chances. I'm hoping Fred and Mctom can help him in this regard. On paper that actually looks a decent midfield.
Keep Fred and Mctomminey as the works horses and let Pogba become a creative beast behind our front three.
Does anyone know exactly what injury is it that he has? We’re almost halfway through the season and I feel like he’s barely played at all.
Until the end of the season, where we upgrade that duo too. And if Pogba is to leave then he will also need replacing.
He broke his ankle no ?
Toe I think.
haha he broke something at least. As to where fitting him, there isn't any scenario in which Pogba doesn't improve when he'll play as a 10 with less defensive duties than a pure CM.