What's wrong with Paul Pogba?

When Apple announced the release of Iphone7, it was an announcement everybody was expecting. But it was the price of the launched product that surprised many. For the folks who were unable to afford to spend so much, the product was just a waste of money while lovers of the Apple phone viewed it as a potential game changer.

But a player's success or failure at a club has much to do with the coach. Jose Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the shrewdest minds in modern football, but his initial plans with Pogba had started falling apart even before the Manchester Derby defeat. Pogba's positioning in the game against Hull City was unconvincing as his passing in the final third was clearly off. He hardly troubled the Hull defence and managed to create just one chance from open play in the entire match.

When it was time to avoid a third consecutive defeat against Watford, the midfield pair of Fellaini and Pogba once again failed to deliver the goods, this time more badly, as the visitors were condemned to a 3-1 defeat. Both the central midfielders were nowhere in the picture as Watford scored their first and second goals, and it should be clear for Mourinho now that the midfield partner he chooses for Pogba is going to be crucial for United's fortunes. 

At Juventus, Pogba was mostly part of a midfield triangle, which was guarded by wing-backs on either side. Pogba ventured forward into the opposition half while Claudio Marchisio's calculated tackling and Andrea Pirlo's experienced legs plugged away the spaces left behind by their marauding teammate. Even during the 2015-16 season, under Max Allegri, Pogba was backed brilliantly by Marchisio and a confident Sami Khedira in the centre of the park as Juventus fought their way back to the top to claim a fourth straight Serie A title. 

That leaves the German or Carrick as the available choices. While the bridges between Jose Mourinho and Schweinsteiger seemed to have been burnt long before even the season started, playing Carrick in the holding midfield role will definitely help Pogba to play his natural game. Carrick's calming influence and ability to play the right pass will help shore up things in the centre of the field for United. And Rooney's poor showing against Watford could also prompt Mourinho to drop the England international and start with Herrera instead, giving Pogba more freedom in the final third.

Additionally, Pogba's perspective after arriving at United also seems to play a part in his poor outings against Watford and Feyenoord. His efforts to take on the entire defence single-handedly has worked against the Frenchman. Paul Scholes recently pointed this issue, saying, “Pogba seems to be a little all over the place at times. I think he's trying to do too much on the ball.” He needs to be reminded that his previous club have romped to four consecutive Serie A titles not just because of his brilliance, but also due to the presence of his other talented teammates. There are many players in the current United squad to take out the opposition defenders like Juan Mata, Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney. It is not that he is capable of, but it is better for his team that Pogba leaves the job to the people who are assigned for it.

Recently, Jose Mourinho defended the huge price tag on his star player, saying,“I think there are clubs that paid 20, 30, 40 [million pounds] which is a bigger deal than what Man United paid for Paul”. 

But it is time that the Portuguese manager needs to drive some sense into his statements by making useful changes to his line-up in order to bring the best out of his trusted midfielder. And a word or two from senior players in the United dressing room, most likely Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick will be enough to remind the 23-year old that he does not need to play multiple roles on the pitch. Some time spent on analysing his line-up from his manager and few good words from people around him should bring back the Pogba everyone wanted to see.