Paul Pogba: Position and Playing Style at Manchester United
As of August 2023, Paul Pogba is not playing for Manchester United. He left the club in the summer of 2022 to join Juventus. At Manchester United, Pogba primarily played as a central midfielder, often taking on a box-to-box role. His versatility allowed him to operate in various midfield positions, from an attacking midfielder to a deeper position in a double pivot formation.
Paul Pogba’s Playing Time at Manchester United
For the latest information on Pogba's current status or position, you may want to check recent news sources or official club announcements. As of the knowledge cut-off date in September 2021, Pogba was still under contract with Manchester United until the end of the 2021-2022 season. Speculation suggested a potential transfer to another team, but no official announcements had been made.
Paul Pogba's Early Career
Paul Labile Pogba, born on March 15, 1993, is a French professional footballer currently playing for the Premier League club Manchester United and the France national team. He primarily operates as a central midfielder and is comfortable playing both in attack and defense.
Adaptability and Early Training
Pogba's versatility and adaptability are evident in his playing style, which was heavily influenced by his four years at Juventus, where he played alongside exceptional players such as André Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Pirlo's passing ability taught Pogba the art of passing, which was particularly evident in his 'box-to-box' midfield play. Pogba was allowed to push forward and play a bit outside his usual role, making precise long and through balls that were often accurate and decisive.
EPL vs Serie A
Since joining Manchester United, Pogba has faced a more challenging league compared to Serie A. The English Premier League (EPL) is generally considered more physically demanding and quicker, which poses a greater challenge to Pogba's development. Despite this, he has shown resilience and adaptability in fitting into the team's midfield mix.
Current Playing Role at Manchester United
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Pogba was initially playing as a central midfielder (CM). However, when José Mourinho took over, Pogba shifted to a more defensive midfield role (CDM) due to the team's tactical requirements. Mourinho stressed the importance of a strong defensive midfielder to support the team's goal-shepherding abilities. Pogba's defensive skills are well-regarded, as he can provide through balls and long passes, especially when the team leads and attempts to maintain possession.
Midfield Options and Combinations
The current midfield combination at Manchester United with Fellaini, Pogba, and Mata is not as effective as desired. To maximize Pogba's potential, it is suggested that Manchester United should consider bringing in a more skillful midfielder to support him, such as Michael Carrick, who could allow Pogba to operate more freely. Other combinations, such as Pogba with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard, are also being considered. Mkhitaryan's speed and skill could complement Pogba effectively in the midfield, providing a deadly combination.
Long-Term Investment in Pogba
Mourinho's investment in Pogba is seen as a long-term strategy for the team's future success. With the club's budget, they can continue to support Pogba, and it is anticipated that he will bring more trophies to Manchester United in the years to come. The combination of Pogba, Michael Carrick, and Bastian Schweinsteiger would be ideal, providing not only defensive stability but also attacking possibilities.