Paul Pogba’s sloppy performance against Atalanta in the Champions League highlighted his pitfalls, but it also showed why having Fred in this Manchester United team is important.
Despite serving a domestic suspension following his reckless challenge on Naby Keita, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recalled the World Cup winner for the clash in Bergamo.
Playing alongside Scott McTominay in a midfield pairing, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Eric Bailly behind him, Pogba had greater defensive protection then he has become accustomed to when playing centrally for United.
But it was a very lackadaisical display from the Frenchman, he was careless in possession and at times, United looked like they were carrying a passenger.
If it wasn’t for Bailly’s last-ditch block Gian Piero Gasperini’s side would have doubled their lead.
But that all came from Pogba’s inability to move the ball quickly, he held onto the ball for far too long and got caught in possession.
He lost possession 13 times during his 69 minutes on the pitch and he was losing the ball in crucial areas.
Fred grows in importance through Pogba display
Fred is never going to possess the range of passing and wealth of technical qualities that Pogba has in abundance.
And whilst he might not be the most glamorous of names on the Manchester United team sheet, his and McTominay’s partnership in this United side is crucial.
The Brazilian may frustratingly lose possession cheaply or get outmuscled, but he is always busy and gets his head down and puts a shift in for his team.
Pogba was sulking last night and looked like a man wondering what the future was going to hold. If that continues he may become a liability instead of an asset to Manchester United.
His contract saga shows no signs of coming to a resolution and it may become more of a distraction to the team, as the speculation surrounding his future intensifies as the season goes on.
With United’s number six serving the second of his three game ban against Manchester City on Saturday, Fred will no doubt be recalled alongside McTominay.
Rio Ferdinand claimed that Pogba ‘took liberties’ at times last night and his performance also drew criticism from Paul Scholes.
Pogba won’t be available until United’s next Champions League game which comes away to Villarreal in three weeks time.
It will be interesting to see whether Solskjaer recalls the former Juventus man and trusts him to bounce back.
On last night’s evidence that would be a risky move and the Norwegian might be better served sticking with the reliable Fred, instead of picking the maverick Pogba.
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