Paul Pogba’s latest injury thins Manchester United’s midfield options heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
Once again United’s squad must learn to cope without the French midfielder.
Fortunately by now, United’s players are well versed in playing without Pogba.
This thigh injury is likely to keep Pogba out until 2022, BBC Sport report. As a result he would miss the next 10 Premier League games, in addition to the two remaining Champions League matches.
Pogba injuries becoming too familiar
Pogba’s injuries are all too familiar from Manchester United’s perspective.
He missed a crucial stretch between late January and March last season, and the previous year he missed the majority of the season from September through to the lockdown.
This latest injury blow means this season will be the fifth season out of six for Pogba at United, that he has failed to start 30 Premier League games or more out of 38.
The one exception came in 2018/19, a surprise perhaps, considering Pogba was dropped by Jose Mourinho for a couple of games at the end of his tenure.
- 2016/17: 29 starts
- 2017/18: 25 starts
- 2018/19: 34 starts
- 2019/20: 13 starts
- 2020/21: 21 starts
- 2021/22: 7 starts to date
A factor for United to consider
Uncertainty continues over Paul Pogba’s Manchester United future.
United could still offer Pogba a contract to stay, and this would come at considerable expense.
The question for United, is whether Pogba is worth it? From a team fit perspective, the desire to keep the talented but frustrating midfielder is already debatable.
Concerns over his durability are also a factor. Pogba is 28 and as he approaches his 30s, his injury issues are likely to get worse rather than better.
From the point he signed, Pogba has been eligible to play in 201 Premier League games for United. He has started 129.
This shows Pogba has started only 64 per cent of United’s Premier League matches since he joined the club.
Some of the games he has missed are of course down to rotation, or even suspension, in addition to injury.
But for the £400,000 per week The Athletic report Pogba would command in wages, he represents a risky investment for United, which over the last five plus years, has not so far paid off.
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