[VP89]

That's what he aspires to be. By the time he's at an age where most elite CMs are recognised as such.

And where might you rank him out of the budding number 10s in a similar age bracket? So against the Delli Ali, Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne sort of players in this league for example.

For me he's a mile below right now, and there is little between the age of such players.

 

[devil in me]

He looks absoluetly knackered to me, understandably. Would give him Thursday off, although it will probably be another 90 mins.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

He is not young and he's certainly not elite.

When is he old then? Aged 28? So basically we get 2 years of football out of him?

I don't know why Pogba turns your brain to mush. You're sensible enough on most other topics. He won't be in his prime for another couple of years and we should get at least 5 years out of him at his very best. He seems to keep himself in great shape.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

And where might you rank him out of the budding number 10s in a similar age bracket? So against the Delli Ali, Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne sort of players in this league for example.

For me he's a mile below right now, and there is little between the age of such players.

Why are you comparing him to number 10s?

 

[TomMUFC8]

He is failing in one area. That area is failing to meet expectations. Expectations placed on players these days is the embodiment of modern fans stupidity.

A game where the direct comparison can be observed as Kante is there on the pitch clearly proves that judging/expecting more or less because a player costs more money is absolutely ludicrous and is as strong an argument as the 12 years old use that I teach at school.

We are a better side with Pogba. Pogba will improve. He is statistically 4 or 5 years away from his prime. People might not like it because of the money (not their money so it's crazy how it upsets them lol) but we need patience with him. Getting on his back simply doesn't help him, he should be supported through this 'tough' patch.

 

[Litch]

And where might you rank him out of the budding number 10s in a similar age bracket? So against the Delli Ali, Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne sort of players in this league for example.

For me he's a mile below right now, and there is little between the age of such players.

All those teams are above us in the league with arguably better players. It's easier to be quality when you have quality around you.

 

[Zoo]

And where might you rank him out of the budding number 10s in a similar age bracket? So against the Delli Ali, Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne sort of players in this league for example.

For me he's a mile below right now, and there is little between the age of such players.

Coutinho has been poor too recently. De Bruyne goes missing almost as much as Pogba, where was he in their goalless draw against Stoke last week when they needed him? It was Silva who came on to change the game. Dele Alli is basically a forward.

 

[kul m]

1. Forget the money for a moment, but what or how does pogba affect our game?....... Kante looks miles ahead of him ......

 

[Litch]

He is failing in one area. That area is failing to meet expectations. Expectations placed on players these days is the embodiment of modern fans stupidity.

A game where the direct comparison can be observed as Kante is there on the pitch clearly proves that judging/expecting more or less because a player costs more money is absolutely ludicrous and is as strong an argument as the 12 years old use that I teach at school.

We are a better side with Pogba. Pogba will improve. He is statistically 4 or 5 years away from his prime. People might not like it because of the money (not their money so it's crazy how it upsets them lol) but we need patience with him. Getting on his back simply doesn't help him, he should be supported through this 'tough' patch.

Absolutely spot on. Sadly that sensible thinking won't be supported by peoples need to apportion blame in order to make them to feel better about the fact we have lost.

 

[Full bodied red]

Yet again, the only time he isn't anonymous in a big game is when he's feckin' it up.

He's still young...

He needs to grow into the EPL...

He had no pre-season...

He's being played out of position...

He's not got the right midfield partners...

He's played every match this season...

He's bursting with potential...

Rinse and repeat...Rinse and repeat...Rinse and repeat...

How long before we'll see the real PP ? Or are we already seeing the real PP - the one I watched for three years at Juve ? Because he doesn't do a whole lot different or worse than he did there - he was just playing in a better team with better players in a much slower paced league.

Worrying....Really worrying.

 

[mu4c_20le]

He looks absoluetly knackered to me, understandably. Would give him Thursday off, although it will probably be another 90 mins.

I don't understand why Jose played him against Rostov on that pitch. I thought Fellaini was going to start today.

 

[Litch]

1. Forget the money for a moment, but what or how does pogba affect our game?....... Kante looks miles ahead of him ......

Have you noticed one is playing for a team that's running away with the league, and the other is struggling to make CL. It kind of makes a difference.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Jose just needs to keep him in a three from now.

 

[Art]

Jose thought Pogba was his best player on the pitch.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Jose thought Pogba was his best player on the pitch.

Source

 

[VP89]

Why are you comparing him to number 10s?

Because that's his position for us.

Let's not kid ourselves, our best formation is when he played ahead of a box to box player and an anchorman. Unless you think that will change next season?

 

[HTG]

Yet again, the only time he isn't anonymous in a big game is when he's feckin' it up.

He's still young...

He needs to grow into the EPL...

He had no pre-season...

He's being played out of position...

He's not got the right midfield partners...

He's played every match this season...

He's bursting with potential...

Rinse and repeat...Rinse and repeat...Rinse and repeat...

How long before we'll see the real PP ? Or are we already seeing the real PP - the one I watched for three years at Juve ? Because he doesn't do a whole lot different or worse than he did there - he was just playing in a better team with better players in a much slower paced league.

Worrying....Really worrying.

It's not worrying, it was to be expected. Just because you broke the bank signing him, doesn't make him a different player. He has great skills that can't be utilized in your current setup. And yes, you don't have the midfielders you need to make him shine.

 

[Art]

Source

Towards the end of the interview.

 

[Jaap]

Ill-disciplined tactically.

José backing him up (which makes sense mentally for Pogba), but he was poor.

 

[Full bodied red]

It's not worrying, it was to be expected. Just because you broke the bank signing him, doesn't make him a different player. He has great skills that can't be utilized in your current setup. And yes, you don't have the midfielders you need to make him shine.

More accurately, great skills that are not wholly appropriate for the EPL.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Because that's his position for us.

Let's not kid ourselves, our best formation is when he played ahead of a box to box player and an anchorman. Unless you think that will change next season?

No it's not.

He's a central midfielder. Has been all his career and will be for the forseeable future.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Because that's his position for us.

Let's not kid ourselves, our best formation is when he played ahead of a box to box player and an anchorman. Unless you think that will change next season?

In a 3 he wasn't a 10, he was an advanced 8, playing as a left sided midfielder, meaning he still had to get back and defend more than a 10 would do.

Position wise, when playing in a 3, you'd put him with players like Iniesta, Matuidi, Isco, Modric, etc. All of these players play in a three, but are most likely to be the more attacking player out of the two midfielders above the defensive midfielder.

 

[HTG]

More accurately, great skills that are not wholly appropriate for the EPL.

They are. They are for every league. The skillset he has is great. Was it worth the money you spent? I don't think so. But he is still a great player who oozes class and potential. He just landed with a team that doesn't know what to do with him. I don't mean to be rude, but your transfer policy is simply strange. If your management actually believes a midfield with Pogba in front of players like Herrera or Fellaini could work, they are deluded and deserve to fail.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Towards the end of the interview.

Pissing hell, Jose.

 

[Mourinhonista]

Fair fecks to him for being always available so far this season. I'd like to see him taking more shots on goal, but that's on the manager to decide. I criticize Pogba for holding on to the ball too long in a lot of cases, but he's definitely trying. I can see the potential there and therefore i'm giving him more time. Still think it was a good acquisition.

 

[Dirty Schwein]

Maybe SAF was right on letting him go in the first place

 

[Litch]

They are. They are for every league. The skillset he has is great. Was it worth the money you spent? I don't think so. But he is still a great player who oozes class and potential. He just landed with a team that doesn't know what to do with him. I don't mean to be rude, but your transfer policy is simply strange. If your management actually believes a midfield with Pogba in front of players like Herrera or Fellaini could work, they are deluded and deserve to fail.

Agree. TBH most of the best players in the world can express themselves when they are playing with equal quality. The Utd teams of old had players that could equally not look out of place or even were an upgrade on the competitors players. In fairness, we haven't many players that you'd say the same about. I think we are probably 5/6 short and I think it's gonna take at least 2 seasons to acquire that quality. In the past like Bayern, we'd have first pick of the talent in the league, now financially we can't steal those players from the big English clubs.

 

[TwoSheds]

Good performance tonight in a tough game.

 

[BringNaniBack]

Pogba will never be a world beater or a great player against the top teams. He is decent against poor teams that give us time and space, against anyone else he is consistently one of the worst players on the pitch. I'd dare say we are probably a better team without him against quality opposition.

He has had more poor games than he's had good games, by some distance and we are just going to have to put up with it as it is going to be another Rooney situation where we have a player that can never be dropped no matter how crap they play.

 

[HTG]

Agree. TBH most of the best players in the world can express themselves when they are playing with equal quality. The Utd teams of old had players that could equally not look out of place or even were an upgrade on the competitors players. In fairness, we haven't many players that you'd say the same about. I think we are probably 5/6 short and I think it's gonna take at least 2 seasons to acquire that quality. In the past like Bayern, we'd have first pick of the talent in the league, now financially we can't steal those players from the big English clubs.

It's not even the quality, it's the type of players you have. You have so many workers, but no real playmakers. Who actually builds up your play? Who controls the game for you? Schweinsteiger and Carrick are the only players you have capable of those feats. That's the issue. At least in my opinion.
Also, when you look at your squad, you can tell there have been so many managers trying their luck. There is absolutely no telling what kind of football you want to play. Moyes to Van Gaal to Mourinho is pure randomness. And that's what the team looks like. There is no way this can really work out. No matter what you spend, there needs to be some consistency. Not necessarily at the coaching position itself, but with the playing style. Otherwise this strange period of constant rebuilding will last even longer for you. I'm not saying firing Van Gaal was wrong. But replacing him with Mourinho is just weird.

 

[sunama]

Have you noticed one is playing for a team that's running away with the league, and the other is struggling to make CL. It kind of makes a difference.

Kante drove his team forward and even scored a goal for them.
What exactly did Pogba do? He shot....he missed (story of his season).
Put simply, Kante is a better player, at this current time. I doubt that any sane football fan can argue against this.

Today, we saw the 2 hot midfielders of the EPL on display, on the pitch at the same time. Kante rose to the occasion. He fought for his team and even scored the goal to get his team to the next round. He also got the MOTM award (not for the goal, but for his overall performance). Pogba did not come close to winning the MOTM.

Kante won the title last season, with LCFC. He moved away from them and LCFC fell to pieces.
Last season CFC finished in mid table. Kante joins them and they are leading the league.
Last season, Pogba also won the title with Juve. He left them and they are currently leading the league.
Last season, we finished 5th. Pogba joins us and we are now in 6th.
Conclusion: Kante is either the luckiest footballer on the planet, or he is able to make a significant difference.

And finally, the price tag.
Kante cost c.£30M, Pogba c.£90M.
Personally, I feel that we got fleeced by Juventus, who in turn bought Higuain with the money they got for Pogba, who is currently 1 goal behind the top goal scorer in Italy.
Of all 3 players mentioned, I feel that Pogba has been the worst purchase, while also being the most expensive.
If Kante cost £30M, Pogba, should've cost around the same or less.

I know that the above is not what MUFC fans want to read, but those are the cold hard facts. Pogba, at this moment in time, cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Kante. He simply isn't a match winner and is unable to dominate a game in the same way that Kante appears to do, every week.

Don't understand the Pogba hate.

Just to clarify, I am not hating on Pogba.
He is a fine midfielder.
But is he as good as Kante? Hell no....

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Towards the end of the interview.

Pissing hell, Jose.

"He's a great player and youse are fecking idiots..."

 

[Kazi]

Kante drove his team forward and even scored a goal for them.
What exactly did Pogba do? He shot....he missed (story of his season).
Put simply, Kante is a better player, at this current time. I doubt that any sane football fan can argue against this.

Today, we saw the 2 hot midfielders of the EPL on display, on the pitch at the same time. Kante rose to the occasion. He fought for his team and even scored the goal to get his team to the next round. He also got the MOTM award (not for the goal, but for his overall performance). Pogba did not come close to winning the MOTM.

Kante won the title last season, with LCFC. He moved away from them and LCFC fell to pieces.
Last season CFC finished in mid table. Kante joins them and they are leading the league.
Last season, Pogba also won the title with Juve. He left them and they are currently leading the league.
Last season, we finished 5th. Pogba joins us and we are now in 6th.
Conclusion: Kante is either the luckiest footballer on the planet, or he is able to make a significant difference.

And finally, the price tag.
Kante cost c.£30M, Pogba c.£90M.
Personally, I feel that we got fleeced by Juventus, who in turn bought Higuain with the money they got for Pogba, who is currently 1 goal behind the top goal scorer in Italy.
Of all 3 players mentioned, I feel that Pogba has been the worst purchase, while also being the most expensive.
If Kante cost £30M, Pogba, should've cost around the same or less.

I know that the above is not what MUFC fans want to read, but those are the cold hard facts. Pogba, at this moment in time, cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Kante. He simply isn't a match winner and is unable to dominate a game in the same way that Kante appears to do, every week.

Most of the £90m fee was for the brand. Do casual Chelsea fans buy Kante shirts? No chance.

 

[Infra-red]

He was pretty awful, but that's 45 games he's started for us without a pre-season and there's still over two months of football ahead with no realistic chance of him being rested due to inadequate cover in the squad. Burn out.

 

[TMDaines]

Don't understand the Pogba hate. Quietly going about being one of the best midfielders in the league, but is tarnishing that with his poor play in the opponent's box. Ludicrously, people's opinion of him would likely be much higher if he wasn't getting himself those opportunities at all, than getting them and not converting. If Pogba is bad now, we're in for something incredible when he gets a hot streak.

 

[sunama]

I'm not saying firing Van Gaal was wrong. But replacing him with Mourinho is just weird.

We won many trophies under SAF. A serial winner.
We stopped winning trophies when SAF retired.
3 years later we decided to hire the most decorated manager (serial winner) in the last 15 years.
You still think that hiring Jose was weird?

 

[Needham]

I'd like to see him nasty up, risk a red with some crunching involvement. He's all smiles most of the time, reeks of a happy individual who won't elevate himself. It might actually take audible disgruntlement from the home support to waken him up. Cause as far as he is concerned, this is a peachy life he's accomplished.

 

[Red Star One]

Towards the end of the interview.

The way he puts it - mentioning journos going after Pogba and attacking them directly - IMO could hint at Pogba's serious lack of confidence. There has to be a mental issue and Jose seems to do his best to make Pogba fully confident again. I don't think you'll find a single pundit or a member of Redcafe (who are on average not worse than pundits nowadays) claiming that Pogba was our best player tonight and "a giant".

 

[HTG]

We won many trophies under SAF. A serial winner.
We stopped winning trophies when SAF retired.
3 years later we decided to hire the most decorated manager (serial winner) in the last 15 years.
You still think that hiring Jose was weird?

Yes. Because you just spent a shitload of money establishing a style of play that couldn't be farther off from what Mourinho does. This is not a dig at Mourinho. Great coach, even though I don't like his style. But he inherited a squad that doesn't fit his ideas at all. Fire Van Gaal if you want. But then get a coach who can build on the foundation he created. Or just let Mourinho take over from SAF. But by hiring Moyes and then Van Gaal and then Mourinho, you essentially wasted four years and an obscene amount of money.

 

[Client6]

Forget the money, please. It's a non-issue really in the grand scheme of things.

This is not a criticism of Pogba; I haven't seen him much for Juventus, but what exactly is Pogba's role as a centre midfielder for United? What is his objective? What does Mourinho tell Pogba to do?

For example:
- Herrera/Kante are probably told to break up the play/win the ball and pass it.
- Carrick is probably told to screen the defense and build up the play.
- Someone like Modric is probably told to "create" and go forward and support the strikers etc.

What is Pogba's role? Call me ignorant of the finer nuances of the game, but I just don't see a definite "use" of him, he's trying to do a bit of everything and none of it comes off. "To just be and try" is a terrible objective for a player on a football field. Please enlighten.