The optimum playing position of Paul Pogba at Manchester United is an issue that has been discussed at length by pundits and fans alike. The world’s most expensive player has now dropped a strong hint about what kind of role he’d like to play for the club
23-year-old French midfielder Paul Pogba became the most expensive transfer in football history when he moved from Juventus this past summer. The reported €110 million price-tag is a millstone around Pogba’s neck which will take some time to get rid of.
The Man United academy product has netted just one goal so far this season, with many calling for tactical changes to get the best out of the highly rated talent.
The player himself has now dropped a huge hint about how he wants to play with the Red Devils. After scoring the winning goal for France against Netherlands in their 2018 World Cup qualifier, Pogba has stated that he wants to be given a free attacking role.
“I try to adapt,” said the Frenchman, according to Manchester Evening News.
“I am a player who would rather go forward. The coach gave me instructions, I try to follow them.
“I have to retrieve balls and make defensive efforts. It cost me a bit to play differently, much like Pirlo. I have to play, be there to recover and play more for the team.”
Pogba was initially paired with Marouane Fellaini at Manchester United. This surprise combination seemed to work initially for United, as they won three games on the trot. However, the loss to Manchester City beckoned calls for a change as Pogba went missing for the whole game.
Spaniard Ander Herrera has since taken up the central midfield role alongside the Frenchman. The former Athletic Bilbao player has been solid in the middle for the Red Devils, allowing Pogba the freedom to play further forward.
Man United manager Jose Mourinho will need to tweak his defensive tactics. Perhaps he will forego the defensive midfield duo that he prefers in favour of a more attacking system, so that he can get the best out of his star signing of the summer.
