Paul Pogba remains the biggest unknown factor in Manchester United’s squad.
Billed as a world class talent, over the course of four years, Pogba just has not shown it on a consistent basis.
Pogba was reported by The Sun to be closing in on a new contract in late July. This has proven to be incorrect.
Pogba came out in his press conference for France and said talks were no further forward.
Like clockwork, he made comments about dreaming of playing for Real Madrid, once again throwing into question his desire to continue at United.
He followed this up by saying he is committed to United, but after making the Madrid comments, it’s hard to backtrack.
Pogba was quoted by BBC Sport: “I have not spoken to Ed Woodward. We haven’t spoken about a new deal. At the moment, I am in Manchester and I am concentrating about getting back to my best form. I think there will be a moment when the club will come and talk to me and maybe offer me something, or not.”
“All football players would love to play for Real Madrid. It is a dream for me, why not one day?
“I am in Manchester and I love my club. I am playing in Manchester, I’m having fun and I want to do everything to put the club where it deserves. I will give everything to the max, like my team-mates.”
The situation is what it is
Pogba’s comments don’t help him at a moment when he is coming off one of his worst ever performances for United.
It is good for him to bring some clarity to the situation over his contract, if little else.
Pogba’s contract expires next summer but United have an option to extend by a further year, so in reality it runs to 2022.
If there is no extension forthcoming, then United will have to sell him next summer.
With competition from Donny van de Beek, plus Fred and Scott McTominay, Pogba should no longer be guaranteed a place, when he is playing like he has been for the first month of the season.
How can he get back to his best?
It is in everybody’s interests for Pogba to get back to form. For the player, for his manager, and for the club.
Even from the perspective of Pogba wanting a move, he must earn a big offer from Real Madrid, and tempt them to pay up.
The start to the season has been poor, and this could have been down to fitness reasons.
It is also down to Solskjaer’s tactics too. Pogba is being asked to play too deep, at times he is further back than Matic.
He is dropping back to receive the ball from the centre-backs playing the ball out from the back, and making too many touches in his own third, as opposed to the other team’s.
Pogba is at his best when he is attacking, not playing out from his own half. Solskjaer needs to rectify this to get United back on track.
The Frenchman needs to give maximum effort, as he says he will. If he is seen not to be, fans will turn on him.
United have a run of tough fixtures upcoming, and the club’s best players need to step up, Pogba especially.
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