Pogba – The Continuous Debate

Mr Paul Labile Pogba, the man that needs no introduction. The man can, and has, split an entire fan base. There is no doubting the quality Pogba possesses but his baggage is quite the deterrent. What next for the World Cup winner? Should Manchester United look to keep hold of him or just simply cash in?

Paul Pogba is without question world class and one of the best in his position. He has the ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and pretty much win it singlehandedly, just like he did at the Etihad back in 2018. That is one of the negatives on keeping him at the club, only being able to really pick one game in a United shirt that he really played to his full potential and it was 23 months ago. A player that Manchester United broke the world transfer record for, whilst swallowing their pride, after losing him to Juventus for nothing years prior the least the club should expect is some consistency in his performances on the pitch.

Whilst Pogba hasn’t continuously put high quality mark on the games he has been involved in he did have some impressive stats in the 2018-19 season. In the Premier League he scored the most goals, had the most assists, shots on target, take-ons and chances of all the United squad. This is without mentioning him topping the most fouls won and most possessions won by any United player in the Premier League. These stats just shows what he can bring to the team on all fronts, both offensively and defensively and this cannot be overlooked in the modern game. Not many players out there can do both and if they can not to the extent of our French midfielder.

The midfielder’s influence doesn’t stop at the white lines. Off the pitch he has that great influence not only on the playing side but on the balance sheet. We have all seen the video of him in the French dressing room at the World Cup Final, players look up to him and if that game is anything to go by they deliver for him too. In addition to this impact, a player of his calibre becomes a brand and all brands are sellable. This is music to the Glazer’s ears with sponsorship deals and other investments knowing that their company is in some way associated with Paul Pogba. Also, I am sure his pulling power doesn’t stop there – it will as well help to encourage the best players come to Old Trafford. The best always want to play with the best.

However, with all the positives he has off the field its not all sunshine and rainbows. He has 7.2million followers on Twitter, 39.6million on Instagram and he has 1 super agent that goes by the name of Mino Raiola. He is arguably the most outspoken man in world football and it is rarely constructive when he does speak, especially when it comes to his client Pogba. Only recently Mino has had a “war of words” with the Manchester United boss Ole regarding Paul and this is the biggest thing that goes against Pogba. It would all be fine if he was to leave Raiola like Lukaku did a few years ago but that doesn’t look like it is going to happen, therefore it puts a rather large spanner in the works. However, should how a player’s agent holds himself influence whether a player stays or goes?
This is just the tip of a very large iceberg in discussing Paul Pogba and no matter where he plays his football he will always be talked about. But where should he be playing his football?

Simple really; Manchester United. Just imagine a midfield that has both Bruno Fernandes AND Paul Pogba in it with a rejuvenated Fred and resilient McTominay. With a world class players in as many positions as possible will able United to be back where there should be and that is winning titles. If you the club is back at the top winning then player like Paul will be happy and their futures would become much less of an issue. And let’s face it is all about winning trophies, that is the Manchester United way.