Six months after his last Premier League appearance, Paul Pogba once again took over the football pitch and took to the field during Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Friday.
After the game, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explained that Pogba was ‘desperate’ to make up for lost time.
This was reflected in his appearance.
Paul Pogba warming up / Poole/Getty Images
After so long sitting on the sidelines due to injury, Solskjaer opted to leave the World Cup winner on the bench as he looked to get him back into competitive action. With United in the hunt for Champions League football, a positive result against Spurs in what was their first game after a three-month layoff would be a repeat for the boss.
However, while the Red Devils dominated the first half, it was Spurs who went into the break after some abysmal defending and an even worse save from David De Gea.
Fred and Scott McTominay were selected as part of a midfield three alongside Bruno Fernandes, but with Spurs closing down all areas in the middle of the pitch, the two deep-lying midfielders brought the Portuguese into the game. Struggled for.
Fred and McTominay really struggled to break the lines / Pool / Getty Images
Fred and McTominay were forced into unimaginative sideways passes, never threatening the Spurs backline. A change was needed – and perhaps at half-time.
Pogba was seen warming up at the break, and it was the first sign of his desire to make up for lost time. The Frenchman looked focused, poised and ready for the challenge ahead, while also looking sharp with his movement.
It wasn’t until the 63rd minute that Solskjaer opted to bring him and Mason Greenwood on, but it took just 27 minutes for the midfielder to remind the football world that he is one of the best midfielders around. Why should one be considered?
Equally, it was another reminder that United must do whatever it takes to tie him down to a new deal.
Don’t care how much you pay him, just do whatever it takes to get Paul Pogba to sign a new contract.
— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) June 19, 2020
Pogba’s performance had it all, from his tackling and defensive work to his goal contributions. As he and Greenwood entered the field, the North London side appeared to drop ten yards deep, thus making an immediate impact.
Gone were the first-half problems of Fernandes not being brought into the game as well as too many sideways passes, with Pogba playing passes that were barely visible on the television screen.
In total, the 27-year-old made 18 passes during his time on the field, with 17 on target. To that end, he also bowled three long balls, each of them perfectly executed. But the figure that is perhaps most impressive is that only one of his passes went backwards.
Paul Pogba completed 17 of his 18 passes against Spurs, including 3/3 long balls, and was successful on both take-on attempts.
Only 1/18 pass was backwards. ⏭ pic.twitter.com/e9BznaSV1z
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 19, 2020
Against a team that sat back and looked compact, it underscored Pogba’s quality. His ability to commit and beat a man to find a yard of space before playing a piercing pass is unrivaled in a Man Utd squad.
His half-volley cross-field ball to send Marcus Rashford through on goal was truly sensational. Being able to locate the pass was a feat in itself, but to do it with such precision was outrageous. He even revealed that his tackling was on point within a minute.
Then there was his contribution to the cause.
What sets Pogba apart from other midfielders is his all-round ability. His passing is excellent while his athleticism is also a key attribute, but as Eric Dier found out, his skill and understanding of the game can sometimes hold him back.
Pogba eases past Dier / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Moving down the right wing, he picked up the ball and looked to isolate Dier. So confident in his abilities, Pogba danced around the Englishman with ease despite only having a few yards of space to work with. Now the wrong side of the midfielder, Dier carelessly brought down Pogba and a penalty was awarded against him.
How many central midfielders can do that?
United fans were most excited to see Pogba link up with Fernandes for the first time and although they only played together for less than half an hour, they proved just how dangerous they can be. With United still looking for an equaliser, Pogba moved into space and received the ball before playing a perfectly weighted pass into the feet of his midfield team-mate. The Portuguese produced a superb display of skill to turn away from his man before passing to Anthony Martial, who sent the Frenchman through on goal.
It was beautiful, fast football and Spurs couldn’t stop them from dictating the game. It became very clear how exciting the Bruno-Pogba partnership could be and it’s something United should take full advantage of. For the first time in a long time, the Red Devils have a midfield that can challenge at the highest level.
Bruno Fernandes and Pogba play together for the first time / Pool/Getty Images
United will have to do all they can to land Pogba, who is effectively out of contract in 2022 as the club have the option to extend his stay by a further year to sign a new contract. Now 27, Pogba is at a stage where he wants to win trophies and work as part of a team that is competing at the top, which is understandable. Of course, the former Juventus man has been consistently linked elsewhere in recent months, and 90 Minutes learned in April that a move to Real Madrid was still his priority.
But if the Red Devils wanted to put an offer in front of him that gave him a reason to stay, why shouldn’t he?
United are rich enough to pay him whatever wage they want, and money shouldn’t be an issue. Ultimately, it is up to Solskjaer and those around him to show Pogba a clear vision for the club, a path that takes United back to the top.
The recent improvements are obvious to all, but they are not there yet. They must still look to the transfer market, and the addition of a player like Jadon Sancho would be a real statement not only to the footballing world that United mean business, but also to Pogba that United are indeed going in the right direction.
Signing Sancho would show Pogba the club mean business / Lars Baron / Getty Images
90 Minutes learned at the end of May that the Red Devils believe they have done enough to land Sancho when the transfer window opens. Of course, the financial impact of the coronavirus should not be overlooked and it is difficult to imagine a scenario this summer where Real Madrid or any other club make a reasonable offer that would force United to part with their star man. Willing to.
Man Utd should seize this opportunity and do whatever it takes to sign Pogba to a new contract. A pay rise, signing a friend…..even, giving Mino Raiola a reason to stick with the club – United should do their best not to lose the player a second time.
Now 12 games unbeaten, there are encouraging signs, but the number one goal for United if they want to retain him long-term is to show the World Cup winner that they are both in it and I am ready to invest. market to ensure they are competing for titles in the not-too-distant future.
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