Paul Pogba's Return Boosts Manchester United's Performances Without an Improvement in Results
Pogba in United's game against Burnley (photo via Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images.)This past week, Manchester United played two games, the first in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough, and the second in the league against Burnley. Both games followed a remarkably similar pattern, United dominated and scored a goal in the first half, but definitely should have converted more chances in each case. In the second half of both games, United’s missed chances came back to haunt them, as they conceded and consequently lost in penalties to Middlesbrough and drew against Burnley.
While the results from the past week are undoubtedly disappointing for United’s fans, there is a silver lining from these past two performances. United have looked considerably better going forward, even if they haven’t gotten the goals to show for it. A big reason for that is the reintroduction of Paul Pogba, who despite all the drama that constantly surrounds him and his potential departure in the summer, scored United’s only goal against Burnley and is consistently one of the better midfielders in the league when he plays. Pogba’s return has made life easier on Bruno Fernandes since defenses can’t hone in on Bruno when an offensive dynamo like Pogba is lurking in the midfield as well. Pogba’s return from injury has also coincided with an uptick in form from Jadon Sancho, who played maybe his best game in a United jersey against Burnley after failing to hit the ground running at Old Trafford following his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Manchester United playing better football is a welcome departure from their form at the beginning of the season, where many of their draws were games that they probably deserved to lose, however now they are drawing games they should be winning.
Jadon Sancho celebrating following his goal vs. Middlesbrough (photo via Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)United decided not to pursue a midfielder in the winter transfer window, as rumors are circulating that they will make a push for Declan Rice in the summer. They did however send out Donny Van de Beek on loan to Everton, a smart move that will allow him to accumulate some game time in the Premier League. Despite the rumors around Rice or the future of Donny, Manchester United’s midfield dilemma revolves around one man: Paul Pogba. Every time this man steps onto the pitch for United, I am reminded of his class, composure, and physicality; the effect he has on the team because of these traits is undeniable. Why pursue someone in the summer who will almost definitely provide the value that Pogba does? Well the simple answer is we’re not even sure if Pogba wants to continue playing for United, and if he does, will he be able to stay healthy enough to have a consistent impact. Even if Pogba stays at United, it would be wise for United to bring another midfielder through the door. I would love nothing more than to see Paul Pogba play and succeed at United for years to come, yet I don’t know if that reality is possible. While the constant rumors surrounding Paul’s departure does annoy me and makes me inclined to want the club to rid themselves of him, all of that goes away when he steps on the pitch, as his performances consistently affirm his world class status. Pogba missing games due to injury this season has been incredibly costly to United’s midfield, as they have often turned in lackluster performances as a result of missing the star Frenchman. Regardless of whether Pogba is a Red Devil next year or not, United’s midfield will have to be solidified in the summer transfer window, and hopefully Manchester United will be able to compete for silverware because of it.