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They're probably getting along in training and it's likely that it's no as bad as the press make it be. But this is one of the few ones a player should come out and quiet.
That isn't a midfield 2. He is playing with Kante and Lemar in a fluid 4-3-3 formation. Upfront Mbappe, Dembele, Giroud.
I take it you haven't heard Mourinho talking about how Pogba is exceptional and the club will keep it's best players. You know actual quotes and that?
No one needs to come out and say anything. People just need to stop believing everything they see in the papers blindly.
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Swap Lemar for Lingard and that’s literally identical to how we set up against Newcastle.
I agree with you that in practice, it is similar to how we set up against Newcastle. However, a) it is a friendly against England - a nation notorious for failing to win midfield battles against any other top nation and usually considered the worst midfield team out of any of the top countries (similar to United in that regard - big names but zero cohesion) so a team that Pogba can get away with playing as a CM b) he's playing for a much more proactive side in that game and they were taking the game to England, so in effect it was much more similar to the positions KDB takes up in your average city game and c) Lemar is much more of a playmaker than Lingard, the latter is more of a pass and mover who makes good runs off the ball but you wouldn't say Lingard controls the tempo of games, whereas Lemar has done so and even at elite CL level.
The way he plays in a two at United under Jose doesn't look anything like that video at United against a top side. He wouldn't get that same level of freedom to roam and attack like he's doing in that video.
If he can do it against England he can do it vs Newcastle. I mean does he has to play in midfield 3 against all oponnents or just VR top teams. Cause I think against lesser teams we can play with midfield 2 without Pogba being nervous.
All of these excuses. Yes you can argue we should play with 3 CM’s but the fact is Pogba should be doing better in a two anyway, especially against teams like Newcastle. There is no excuse for lack of effort or not following instructions which is why he was dropped and subbed.
He has played in a 2 for most of the season so save all the excuses. It’s not like we were playing fecking Real Madrid were we. He needs to do better period.
He has played in a 2 for most of the season so save all the excuses. It’s not like we were playing fecking Real Madrid were we. He needs to do better period.
I know, I'm going to get hate for this post but you fans and the media are part of the reason why so many our attackers end up being seen as flops. We have signed players like Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Kagawa, Pogba, Mkhitaryan and Di Maria. And every time they have a couple bad games, we start being so negative towards them instead of encouraging them to do better and we moan about them not being good enough, instead of speaking about how they can improve strengthen then weaknesses.
Imo, if these players where at Man City they would perform a lot better in there system, whether it's under Guardiola's amazing system or one of the previous managers system. In Di Maria's first year at the club, he performed well until about January where he picked an injury and as soon as he came back in the team, fans kept on complaining about him as soon as he stepped back onto the pitch against Aston Villa.
I see way too many Manchester United fans getting excited about our signings every year and the second they have a bad game, we start to over react after every single mistake they make. If our attackers played for Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal or Liverpool they would not get the same criticism they receive at this negative club.
Imo, if these players where at Man City they would perform a lot better in there system, whether it's under Guardiola's amazing system or one of the previous managers system. In Di Maria's first year at the club, he performed well until about January where he picked an injury and as soon as he came back in the team, fans kept on complaining about him as soon as he stepped back onto the pitch against Aston Villa.
I see way too many Manchester United fans getting excited about our signings every year and the second they have a bad game, we start to over react after every single mistake they make. If our attackers played for Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal or Liverpool they would not get the same criticism they receive at this negative club.
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I think everyone is in agreement with that. The issue is though, if we want to play fluent football and improve the performance aspect of the side and get to the next level.. even against smaller sides, I don't think him in that two is the answer. He can get by, United can get by with him there.. but it is never going to be great with him there.
Secondly, I don't believe in this chopping and changing formations all the time once we come up against a good side.. so say you have a 6 week period playing 4231 and then suddenly, the players are used to a particular system and they have to change it up for the biggest game of that period and play in a formation they're not used to. Creates confusion and leads to laboured performances.
That is why long term we have to think of what is best for the side, as well as what is best for the midfield and someone like Paul and if the 4-3-3 is the best overall option, then go with that as the default.
But yes, you are right of course he can do much better in a two than he did v Newcastle and we all know that.
Long term we might actually be moving to 433 because we are looking to sign CM’s in the summer.
Football is a team sport, I don't understand why certain players are always targeted despite our team consisting of 11 players. Plus, why is it when a players is not playing how you expect them too, you moan about a lack of effort without any sort of evidence to back that. Plus, you need to remember Pogba is not a god and is human like the rest of us so he should be allowed to make mistakes, them same goes for other players as well including Messi/Ronaldo. Fans out here are just too spoilt and moan about every single little mistake.
Difference between 2 formations isn't big, on the contrary one can turn to the other quite easily. So it's not a big shock to play one formation in one game and the other in other game. Even in 4-2-3-1 he can play behind the striker, I think we can agree on that.
And therefore he is not immune to playing badly and being dropped. That’s the end of it.
Interesting. The only other report about issues with Pogba and Mourinho came from Duncan Castles, who seems close to Mourinho's camp.
We seem to be stuck in a rut at the moment and the cloud of negativity is once again settling over our club.
At times like these you sometimes need a player with immense quality and huge personality. Pogba has both attributes, and I really hope he pulls up his sleeves and runs riot against Huddersfield tomorrow. Just a complete barnstorming performance. One of those days where nobody can get the ball off him. Where he's popping up all over the field, spraying passes like he's born to do. Shooting from distance and stinging the keeper's hands. Rallying the troops, bossing the game and putting a proper shift in.
Such a display wouldn't half help lift spirits ahead of some of the crucial games coming up. Come on Paul, the time is now; wherever you're playing on the field, just let it rip.
At times like these you sometimes need a player with immense quality and huge personality. Pogba has both attributes, and I really hope he pulls up his sleeves and runs riot against Huddersfield tomorrow. Just a complete barnstorming performance. One of those days where nobody can get the ball off him. Where he's popping up all over the field, spraying passes like he's born to do. Shooting from distance and stinging the keeper's hands. Rallying the troops, bossing the game and putting a proper shift in.
Such a display wouldn't half help lift spirits ahead of some of the crucial games coming up. Come on Paul, the time is now; wherever you're playing on the field, just let it rip.
No we don't agree on that as I don't think he's well suited to play as a 10. In fact, yes if it came down to it in a big game I'd rather him at 10 than at CM, but for smaller games I would prefer him as CM than a 10.. as overall he has many flaws as either a CM and a 10, hence why he needs to be played somewhere inbetween and whilst many of you are moaning, well why is he such a fussy player and this and that.. quite a few players like Iniesta would also struggle if you played them as a CM or as the exclusive number 10 in a 4-2-3-1, as they're quite limited players positionally. They need to be placed quite precisely in a three man midfield in order to get the best out of them as they're neither CM or a 10, they're free roaming 8s.
As to the other point, there being no difference between 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3, again a) that depends on the personnel as to whether that can shift easily within a game and b) there is quite a difference between the two formations, and if we were to take the case of Pogba and Martial as case studies (assuming Martial is on the left).. you could see why the nuances of both formations actually have a big impact on these two in particular (or Sanchez for that matter).
In a 4-2-3-1, if Pogba is a CM.. he has to cover the following areas on the pitch:
- This involves shielding the defence and sharing responsibility with the other CM of picking up any runs from an opposing attacking midfielder
- He will also have to cover the flank and help out full back if the left winger hasn't tracked back
- Has to pick up the ball of the CB's and run the game from the defensive third, as well as the middle third but has less responsibility for the running of the game in the final third as that is taken up by the number 10
- The spaces that he can go into are compromised as he has to give the attacking mid the leeway to come into his areas and pick up the ball in the positions where he'd normally roam into unrestricted
- Less chance to dribble with the ball, or be creative as if he is caught on it.. they can run through the midfield down his side of the pitch and be right at the defence.. unless Matic comes across, which then opens up space on Matic's side of the pitch
- His passing has to be more simple, more just get the ball from A to B as there is no point of him slowing the game down, showing flair or attempting to break through lines when he's operating deep - which doesn't suit his natural style of play - he's not Xavi, Modric, Scholes. He's more Zidane, Iniesta in that he likes to carry the ball as well as pass it around. Being a sheer metronome, is very at odds with his natural style of play.
- The wide midfielder has defensive responsibilities in this formation, as he can't expect the CM to always cover him or that creates holes through centre of midfield. He has to be able to track back. Therefore exerts more stamina in this formation
- Can't just leave the flank and keep coming in, as then it will leave all the width and attacking play to the left back (as the CM once again can't bomb up and play down the left as it is too risky off the ball)
Lets look at the area's Pogba has to cover in a three man midfield:
- Still has defensive responsibilities, but involves just covering the left flank rather than being responsible for shielding the defence (especially if the right sided midfielder is slightly more defensive-minded than the left sided player)
- Going forwards has much more space to attack into, which means more responsibility in terms of creativity on his shoulders but gives licence to the midfielder in question to go out there and try and win the game (via assists/goals etc)
- Picks the ball up higher up the pitch, is not responsible for controlling the play from the CB's but instead is more focused on controlling the game in the final third as well as helping out with the central midfield battle
- Can even get into the box if need be and get on end of crosses, knowing that there is a midfield platform behind him keeping the team safe
If we look at Martial/Sanchez in a 4-3-3:
- Minimal defensive responsibility, as the left back in combination with the left sided midfielder will take care of defensive responsibilities
- Likewise can come in off the flank, as much as he wants as the left sided midfielder can drift out wide and help the full back provide width
- Less defensive responsibilities means more energy with which to run with the ball, leading to better decisions in attack, more goals/assists
- Pins the opposition full back back, as they know this forward is always looking to attack and they're taking a huge gamble when bombing forward
The only way they could kind of be similar from Pogba's perspective, is if he is the number 10 in a 4-2-3-1 and in the game, we keep shifting from 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 but again as a 10, he'd be expected to roam across the final third, not just the left.. which means he has to pick the ball up in final third, with back to goal sometimes and more men to navigate around and it limits the effect of the right sided midfielder also getting involved which means entire central creativity is resting on his shoulders like an Ozil for Arsenal which doesn't suit him.
Also Pogba isn't the type of player who wants to do zero defending, he just wants to do less of it which a 4-3-3 allows him to do.
Ah, the re-writing of how well Pogba has actually played for us time is upon us yet again!
I thought the post made a lot of sense actually.
So you think pogba shouldn't work hard and should continue to sulk when asked to play in a 2 and only perform for utd when the formation suits him?
So comparing Pogba to Pirlo (a failed attacking midfielder who was struggling with his career until the move to a deeper role which revitalised his career) and Kobe, because he happens to be a famous black guy who plays sport and other subtly racist remarks constitutes a post which makes sense?
No I don't think he shouldn't work hard, but I do think he's entitled to raise objections because it is own career and reputation which is on the line if we suffer more games like Spurs, or if we don't win titles etc. I think he should remain professional, but if he wants to sulk off the pitch and push for something he believes will get the best out of the side as well as him, power to him.
If the side was playing fabulous football, and that was whilst Pogba himself was out of position and having to do the donkey work, I'd say suck it up lad as the team is doing well, we can't just follow what you want. However I don't think we are playing well and therefore I would actually like some changes to be made as to how we are approaching the games tactically, and personally I think Pogba is concerned not just for himself but he wants to be a greater asset to the team and for us to play better too. It was an immature way of going about it, but I think ultimately he just wants the team to play better and he thinks him with more attacking freedom will get us there.
Stuff some money in his mouth and he will be wagging his tail for us. That's a good boy, he knows we are his money bin.
Lemar is a playmaker. Lingard ??????
“If he played for City” is the new excuse for every player once they play a few bad games. 
I'm sure most people have heard of the saying 'less is more'.
That can apply to Pogba's decision making and speed of play but it can also apply to 'need' to play as many attacking players as possible.
More attacking players does not equal cohesive, fluent attacking football.
Playing a two against the smaller sides etc is not even the done thing by your Madrids, Barcas and Bayerns and you know why? 3 midfielders bring control, which enable a platform for the team to attack better. Notice I said team and not attackers. Let your midfield and thus spine of the team worry about the ball recycling, rentention and shape. In return your attacking and wide players can get the ball in better and more advanced positions.
3 midfielders is better than 2. It's really fecking simple. And Lingard is not a midfielder.
That can apply to Pogba's decision making and speed of play but it can also apply to 'need' to play as many attacking players as possible.
More attacking players does not equal cohesive, fluent attacking football.
Playing a two against the smaller sides etc is not even the done thing by your Madrids, Barcas and Bayerns and you know why? 3 midfielders bring control, which enable a platform for the team to attack better. Notice I said team and not attackers. Let your midfield and thus spine of the team worry about the ball recycling, rentention and shape. In return your attacking and wide players can get the ball in better and more advanced positions.
3 midfielders is better than 2. It's really fecking simple. And Lingard is not a midfielder.
Imo, pogba needs to establish himself as a creative and hardtackling CM playmaker.
Inherently, pogba is quite a creative playmaker already.
He needs to be hard tackling to show others that he will fight for every ball and he will take no nonsense from any players, friends or foes. Roy Keane, Paul scholes all are hard tacklers who will always aim to get the ball back. Even fletcher, nicky butt.
He also has a good build and can be an imposing player in defence. He needs to tackle more.
He is too big and does not have enough guise or speed to pull off as a no 10 imo. My personal point of view is pogba may not function v well as a no 10.
Inherently, pogba is quite a creative playmaker already.
He needs to be hard tackling to show others that he will fight for every ball and he will take no nonsense from any players, friends or foes. Roy Keane, Paul scholes all are hard tacklers who will always aim to get the ball back. Even fletcher, nicky butt.
He also has a good build and can be an imposing player in defence. He needs to tackle more.
He is too big and does not have enough guise or speed to pull off as a no 10 imo. My personal point of view is pogba may not function v well as a no 10.
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First name Jesse. Google him.
I agree with you here. Rather than boss games, I think Pogba needs to bully them. Once he pulls that off he will have really made it.
People fancy their chances of getting the ball off him and have a real go. I’d like to see the situation where if you’re considering challenging Pogba there’s a serious concern of getting flattened. Maybe more opponents will start to think twice.
Damn, the Messe Lingod name play in his performance thread hit @Jib hard!
Apparently he's missing today due to illness 
Don’t care really as long as he’s back for Sevilla.
He's sick of playing in a midfield 2
Not good. While he could be legit sick but the timing is just too close. The rift seems real.
Hamilton’s an interesting choice. Another one for the “height fetish” gang.
It is getting a bit worrying.
I’d usually brush all the speculation off as bullshit, but Mourinho has history of falling out with his star players at pretty much every club he’s managed.
Damn. I was hoping to see Pogba tear it up today.
Plus didn't Mourinho confidently say Pogba plays tomorrow in yesterday's conference? Hell of a coincidence if Pogba is ill.
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