Wednesday 13 July 2016

Is Pogba the right move for Manchester United?

Paul Pogba is a Juventus and France midfielder who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United for a world record transfer fee of £100 million. The 23 year old was a former Manchester United player however little game time and a poor relationship with Sir Alex  Ferguson saw Pogba move to Juventus on a free transfer in 2012. Pogba made just 7 appearances in England! However after featuring in the UEFA 2015 team of the year and leading Juventus to another Serie A title  Pogba has renewed Manchester United's interest.

How would he fit in at Manchester United? 

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he has completed 3 out of 4 intended transfers in the forms of: Bailly, Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic. The 4th signing may not have a name set to it however it's fairly clear Mourinho wants to bolster up his midfield options especially after suggesting Rooney is to play further forwards. Currently at the Portuguese's disposal in the centre of the park are: Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Fellani, Blind, Carrick. In spite of such a long list it's hard to think Mourinho will settle for 2 of the above in the holding midfield role, Schweinsteiger and Carrick are often injured and fitness is an issue whilst Blind lacks the presence despite his technical ability. Fellaini is an option however he is not suited to sitting back and will often drive into the box. This leaves Schneiderlin and Herrera who are both capable of breaking down play and carrying the ball offensively. Nevertheless Mourinho may look to Pogba, regarded by some as the most complete midfielder, to adopt that role and bombard up and down the pitch. However Pogba played in the deeper position for France against Portugal in the Euros Final, he carried out the job perfectly, yet was unable to travel forwards and beat players to set up chances when compared to a playing in a freer role for Juventus. As a result it would be unsurprising if Pogba was pushed further forwards, perhaps instead of Rooney, to get a real grip on the game. First off Manchester United need to complete the signing...

Is he really worth £100 million?


If Pogba were to move he would surpass Gareth Bale as the World's most expensive player by some margin, why would Manchester United be willing to pay so much on a player they let go for free just four years ago!?

  • Age: At just 23 years old Pogba has an incredible future ahead of him, midfielders generally peak around 26-28 years old, Manchester United would practically be guaranteed World Class performances for as many as 8 years.
  • Versatility: Pogba is capable of playing just in front of the defence, his immense physicality means very few will out strength him. On the other hand Pogba could play as far forwards as a centre forward just off the main striker (Ibrahimovic) if need be given his aerial ability and eye for goal. 
  • A complete midfielder: Passing. Tackling. Heading. Shooting. Is there anything Pogba can't do? It's no surprise people see him and Kroos as the two most complete midfielders around.


Are there any alternatives?

For whatever peculiar reason that Ed Woodward decides not to fork out a grand total of £100 million on Pogba alone who would Manchester United see in that midfield spot?


  • Blaise Matuidi: The PSG midfielder who played alongside Pogba for France at the Euros, carries a £30 million price tag. A hefty one considering the Frenchman is of 29 years of age. All the same Matuidi could easily fill the void in midfield, he made 7 tackles in the Euros Final, more than any other, and would be happy to sit back for Mourinho's men. 
  • Cesc Fabregas: Mourinho may look to reunite with the current Chelsea man at Manchester United for a fee of around £25-£30 million. Chelsea are interested in the services of the ever impressive Kante in addition to Roma's Nainggolan. By consequence Fabregas may be on the move and provide the likes of Mkhitaryan and Ibrahimovic passes in abundance next season. 
  • Nemanja Matic: Similarly to Fabregas Matic may be under threat from Conte's midfield overhaul. The 27 year old was regarded as Chelsea's best player 2 seasons ago however a dip in form was blamed for Chelsea's dismal season. However Matic still holds the potential to become the best defensive shield in the premier league and help Manchester United to clean sheet after clean sheet. Whilst he is more defensive than Pogba it would allow a more offensive midfielder, for example Herrera or Fellaini to sit alongside him.
  • No one new!: Perhaps Mourinho is content with rotating the likes of Herrera, Schneiderlin, Fellaini etc. in midfield and believes Manchester United can win the league with these midfielders. Maybe the elusive 4th signing is in fact a right back since Darmian is seen by some as a liability. All in all I do believe this won't be the case, especially with the money at Mourinho's disposal and endless speculation ...





1 comment:

  1. Very interesting, although there are rumours that Schniderlin will be going to Everton, so not sure that he will partner Pogba (or whoever if defensive midfield)

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