Rooney says Rashford is Manchester United’s key to getting best out of Pogba

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Paul Pogba’s Euro 2020 performances have sparked plenty of debate over what he can do to replicate this outstanding form at Manchester United.

In the second half of last season we did see Pogba perform very well, but there is always room for improvement.

United record goalscorer Wayne Rooney believes the key to getting the best out of Pogba is more forward movement, and has called on Marcus Rashford to adapt his game.

Speaking to The Times, Rooney said: “Some of the passes Paul played for Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé were incredible. At United, Edinson Cavani is a different type of No 9, one who plays in the box, but if Marcus Rashford can develop his game and be encouraged to start making those Mbappé-style runs in behind, I believe you would see Paul doing more of what he does for his country in a club shirt.”

United have the attack to make it work

Rashford scored 21 goals last season and had a very strong campaign.

But it was actually Mason Greenwood who appeared to strike up more of a connection with Pogba.

Pogba provided six assists for United in 2020/21 and Greenwood scored four of them.

Rooney is right that Rashford has the capability to link up with Pogba more regularly, and this is something the coaching staff need to work on. If Rashford learns of Rooney’s comments it will certainly give him something to think about.

There will be games where Cavani is rested when Rashford could be tasked to play up front. He did well last season when asked to do so.

Jadon Sancho’s arrival will help Pogba as it will make United’s frontline more fluid and unpredictable. His runs on and off the ball will help open teams up, with his dribbling ability causing problems for defences.

It still leaves open the question over who United should partner with Pogba in central midfield. At present there does not appear to be a clear cut solution, although there is nearly two months before the transfer window closes.

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