[McGrathsipan]

I’m disillusioned with Mourinho and want him replaced as I don’t think he is the right man for the United job at all, but I agree with you.

If true, and Pogba went against his managers wishes then he should be kicked out.

I don’t for a second believe that Pogba would be so stupid though.

Why not?
Maybe Pogba is pissed off playing negative football all the time and wants to be sold. Lets be honest, united are not going to win the PL or CL with Mourinho in charge. Maybe Pogba wants to go.

On the face of it us people in Joe Public ville only know Pogba has been crap in alot of game's hes played and is getting dropped and/or criticized as a result. He wont like that. We dont know whats causing his shit form. Hes not a world class act like some people think he is but hes capable of better thats for sure.

Somethings wrong though and I dont think Pogba is here next year if Mourinho is.

 

[roonster09]

Not really to be honest. CM is one of the hardest positions to play because of the positions you must take up and being able to be on the correct side of the ball, play facing towards your goal and the opposite etc. from experience, its something you develop early in your role as a CM. The movement aspect is the very basic part that you should have nailed down. Imagine a CM in a EPL professional team that didn't always know where to be to receive passes from team mates? you'd think it a bit amateur at this level because its one of the 1st things that ID someone as a CM. Plenty of players have physical and technical attributes but as Rooney showed, CM requires highest level of positional awareness

I agree. Positioning and movement is very important for CM. I just disagree with anyone who says Pogba lacks them.

 

[meamth]

A throwback to Pogba"s performance at Euro 2016:

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-how-bad-paul-pogba-euro-2016-final-2878117-Jul2016/

I think Deschamps had the same problem with Mourinho: Pogba's role in midfield. It's been 2 years since, and Pogba is struggling to be the player he expected to be.
My favorite bits from the article:

"Footballers are told to expect worst-case scenarios in these type of situations. Pogba’s lack of effort in trying to stop Eder suggests he simply hopes for the best and expects Koscielny to make the tackle. Instead, he should be sprinting back and preparing for the worst.

It may seem harsh, but the clip above is indicative of Pogba’s sluggishness and poor attitude throughout the match. Moreover, he has routinely been called a ‘world-class player’ and so will of course be judged by the highest standards. And last Sunday, he patently failed to live up to the hype."

Edit:

It seems like hypocritical comments by deschamps to say Pogba can't be happy at United because he himself deployed Pogba in a holding role during that tournament, restricting Pogba's freedom.

 

[roonster09]

A throwback to Pogba"s performance at Euro 2016:

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-how-bad-paul-pogba-euro-2016-final-2878117-Jul2016/

I think Deschamps had the same problem with Mourinho: Pogba's role in midfield. It's been 2 years since, and Pogba is struggling to be the player he expected to be.
My favorite bits from the article:

"Footballers are told to expect worst-case scenarios in these type of situations. Pogba’s lack of effort in trying to stop Eder suggests he simply hopes for the best and expects Koscielny to make the tackle. Instead, he should be sprinting back and preparing for the worst.

It may seem harsh, but the clip above is indicative of Pogba’s sluggishness and poor attitude throughout the match. Moreover, he has routinely been called a ‘world-class player’ and so will of course be judged by the highest standards. And last Sunday, he patently failed to live up to the hype."

Edit:

It seems like hypocritical comments by deschamps to say Pogba can't be happy at United because he himself deployed Pogba in a holding role during that tournament, restricting Pogba's freedom.

Pogba had average Euro 2016 but that analysis

Watch the clip below. Pogba shows no interest in making something happen and linking up the play with an incisive pass the way all the best midfielders who play in his position tend to do.

Again, notice in the clip below, how despite having plenty of time and space, Pogba shows no desire to be brave and turn on the ball. Central midfield is the most important position in football, and with this sort of negative play characterising their game, it’s no wonder France lacked a goal threat for much of the contest.

 

[Rasfene]

King Pogba is so good. Without him, United would not be 2nd right now.

A throwback to Pogba"s performance at Euro 2016:

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-how-bad-paul-pogba-euro-2016-final-2878117-Jul2016/

I think Deschamps had the same problem with Mourinho: Pogba's role in midfield. It's been 2 years since, and Pogba is struggling to be the player he expected to be.
My favorite bits from the article:

"Footballers are told to expect worst-case scenarios in these type of situations. Pogba’s lack of effort in trying to stop Eder suggests he simply hopes for the best and expects Koscielny to make the tackle. Instead, he should be sprinting back and preparing for the worst.

It may seem harsh, but the clip above is indicative of Pogba’s sluggishness and poor attitude throughout the match. Moreover, he has routinely been called a ‘world-class player’ and so will of course be judged by the highest standards. And last Sunday, he patently failed to live up to the hype."

Edit:

It seems like hypocritical comments by deschamps to say Pogba can't be happy at United because he himself deployed Pogba in a holding role during that tournament, restricting Pogba's freedom.

To be fair, Pogba just made a mistake against Ireland. I think he wanted to play it safe and avoid become Slippy Gerrard no 2, King of mistakes.

 

[Greck]

I haven't overstated anything. You're definitely still busy making Pogba look better than he actually is. Funnily enough I didn't even present my view on the current scenario. I offered the worst case scenario which is obviously a lot worse than ''we'll still have a good footballer'. Those things don't necessarily have to go wrong but they can if a very expensive resource like him fails to produce.

The bolded bit is again an attempt to cover up for him. The guy is a huge name in football and has been dropped in favour of the likes of Fellaini and an academy product. To equate his recent performances with the likes of Martial and Rashford is silly. His form has been so poor he barely looks a PL player which is nuts given how talented he is, and how good he has been in the past.

Why omit Sanchez, a veteran player who looks just as clueless in our sloppy attack?

Jose dropping him for Fellaini isn't a big deal either. Jose has these 'eccentric' setups that shouldn't surprise anyone. Jose's defensive tactics favour a lot of unconventional things, for example going off of Jose's description of a #10, Lingard is more of a Jose #10 than Mata. Ball playing ability is often secondary to physicality, workrate and raw productivity

 

[Bestietom]

I seriously think he will be sold in the summer. Shame really as he could be one of the best.

 

[Hitchez]

Pogba had average Euro 2016 but that analysis

The one thing you would never accuse Pogba of is being a negative player on the ball. Stupid fecking analysis.

 

[Litch]

Clearly there is something wrong and whilst I thought it's a Pogba/Jose thing, him not starting for France spoke volumes. When you look at the team, then look at the bench Pogba was the anomaly. Dechamp could have publicly showed his support for the player by starting him, Pogba then could have had an outstanding game and the focus would have then been on Jose. That didn't happen. First I thought, slight injury but surely they'd have said that and the pressure would be taken off the situation? Clearly that's not it either and I believe it squarely lies with the player.
Dechamp knows it well cause he's seen it before and dropped him in a major tournament.

Whilst it's a guessing game whatever he's actually done, it's clear it's pissed off both managers......

 

[Bestietom]

Clearly there is something wrong and whilst I thought it's a Pogba/Jose thing, him not starting for France spoke volumes. When you look at the team, then look at the bench Pogba was the anomaly. Dechamp could have publicly showed his support for the player by starting him, Pogba then could have had an outstanding game and the focus would have then been on Jose. That didn't happen. First I thought, slight injury but surely they'd have said that and the pressure would be taken off the situation? Clearly that's not it either and I believe it squarely lies with the player.
Dechamp knows it well cause he's seen it before and dropped him in a major tournament.

Whilst it's a guessing game whatever he's actually done, it's clear it's pissed off both managers......

Well my Guess is that he is too much involved in social media and his hair styles. He should put his mind down to concentrating on Football, as he could be one of the best.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

So you can't concentrate on football if you like social media and haircuts? I really don't think that is the problem.

He needs to get his confidence back. Mourinho should decide with himself if Pogba can be the player that he needs in the CM role or if cutting him off is the best for the team and club. It's an unnecessary gamble to risk going in to a new season with a player that doesn't fit how we play. We could still easily get 80-100m for him in this market. Pogba adapting would be the best option, but if not, then it won't be too big a loss.

 

[Bestietom]

So you can't concentrate on football if you like social media and haircuts? I really don't think that is the problem.

He needs to get his confidence back. Mourinho should decide with himself if Pogba can be the player that he needs in the CM role or if cutting him off is the best for the team and club. It's an unnecessary gamble to risk going in to a new season with a player that doesn't fit how we play. We could still easily get 80-100m for him in this market. Pogba adapting would be the best option, but if not, then it won't be too big a loss.

I did not say you can't concentrate on football, I am saying he should. He is certainly not in the mood to play football atm which proved why deschamps did not play him either. We have seen what he can do when he puts his mind to it, and seen what he does when he is not in the mood. Something is distracting him from football atm. We can all see this.

 

[Kostov]

Not really to be honest. CM is one of the hardest positions to play because of the positions you must take up and being able to be on the correct side of the ball, play facing towards your goal and the opposite etc. from experience, its something you develop early in your role as a CM. The movement aspect is the very basic part that you should have nailed down. Imagine a CM in a EPL professional team that didn't always know where to be to receive passes from team mates? you'd think it a bit amateur at this level because its one of the 1st things that ID someone as a CM. Plenty of players have physical and technical attributes but as Rooney showed, CM requires highest level of positional awareness

My comment was referred for ''great midfielders'', not CM. Even than I'm not sure what are we referring with CM, Pogba is not a DLP, he is a CM who should be played in a role so his physicality is used properly. Positioning and movement are important for every player on the pitch, it's basics and it's not like Pogba has never played in MF before. Let's not form opinion based on 3 months of bad form, he is title winning MF who played in a italian league, who is very tactically and positionally strict. Positioning and movement are different under different managers. Guardiola made KDB a CM through coaching, because he has the important tools to be a quality MF. You can adapt to positioning and movement under different managers and systems. Things like dribbling, awareness, long passing that Pogba has you can't train. That was my main point.

Yes but intelligence and movement/positioning are so absolutely crucial and if Pogba lacks in those areas he can have Ronaldhinio's technical qualities but he'll still fail to be a top midfielder. And while a lot of things can come with coaching and experience there's no guarantee of that happening. It's why so many players dont reach their potential which is pretty normal rather than the exception.

Also, while Pogba has to improve in these areas to be one of the best in any position, I dont see him as a pure CM as a result of where his strengths and weaknesses lie. If he does achieve true greatness it'll be as a free roaming creative flair midfielder. I dont think he'll ever be the 'engine' Mourinho and a lot of United fans want him to be.

Movement/positioning are important but as I said, I think they can be coached and adapted to, there are far more crucial qualities that players with good positioning and movement will never have.

The bolded part I agree with you, as I said previously Pogba should be used in a role where his physicality would be used best.

 

[redNATION]

If he leaves, it'll be another Salah/KDB situation for Jose. He's never gets on with creative/free-spirited players, he even managed to fall out with Ronaldo at Real. And all those players are now among the best in their position. I really hope Jose goes before Pogba.

 

[Andy_Cole]

I’ll be fuming if Pogba goes.

 

[Darkhorsez]

I’ll be fuming if Pogba goes.

Yes, it will be devastating. The lad had an injury not too long ago. Before this, his performance was great. He keep back and started piecing it together and then Sanchez arrrived and some changes in team dynamics. By this stage I know some folks are going to say ... here we go ... another one making excuses for him. I do think he has some issues to sort out - mostly in his head. But players are not robots and go through some strange phases. I’ve seen this many times. Listen a few month ago folks were already writing off Ronaldo as a force in football. We can be so fickle at times. I personally think he will come good for us. He is an exceptional talent and it will be shame to see him leave.

 

[Garethw]

Why not?
Maybe Pogba is pissed off playing negative football all the time and wants to be sold. Lets be honest, united are not going to win the PL or CL with Mourinho in charge. Maybe Pogba wants to go.

On the face of it us people in Joe Public ville only know Pogba has been crap in alot of game's hes played and is getting dropped and/or criticized as a result. He wont like that. We dont know whats causing his shit form. Hes not a world class act like some people think he is but hes capable of better thats for sure.

Somethings wrong though and I dont think Pogba is here next year if Mourinho is.

I’ve said it for a while now too mate. Something is definately wrong. Then again what did we expect? Mourinho has Alienated and fell out with squads everywhere he’s managed.

 

[Ban]

What's all this talk about him leaving about?
Just don't tell me it brewed from the made up story about Jose being angry he interrupted his post match interview... Cause that is beyond silly.

 

[Andy_Cole]

Yes, it will be devastating. The lad had an injury not too long ago. Before this, his performance was great. He keep back and started piecing it together and then Sanchez arrrived and some changes in team dynamics. By this stage I know some folks are going to say ... here we go ... another one making excuses for him. I do think he has some issues to sort out - mostly in his head. But players are not robots and go through some strange phases. I’ve seen this many times. Listen a few month ago folks were already writing off Ronaldo as a force in football. We can be so fickle at times. I personally think he will come good for us. He is an exceptional talent and it will be shame to see him leave.

I sense a bit of De Gae in him. The media and our rivals were writing him off, making fun of him. But united fans knew how good he was.

We need to stick with Pogba. What are we going to do? Replace him with Verratti and then everyone will be saying he needs a season to settle. We can’t keep on chopping and changing our players. These players are world class, we just need a system and a few tweaks (full backs) to make us great.

 

[Ban]

I thought he looked a bit annoyed at the time. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if that story is accurate.

Come on, don't believe that kind of stuff..... He didn't look annoyed at all.

 

[Doracle]

Come on, don't believe that kind of stuff..... He didn't look annoyed at all.

Yeah I take it back. I had a recollection of someone looking annoyed. Forgot Pogba also did the same thing with Klopp! Agree, on looking back, Jose looked fine with it.

 

[roonster09]

Jose has problems with midfielders who aren't good defensively. So many rate Modric as the best CM in the world in the last 3-4 years, he also missed so many big games when Jose was his manager for a season.

- Unused sub against Barca away in the league
- played 3 mins against Atletico Madrid at home in the league
- played 14 mins against Atletico Madrid away in the league
- Played just 14 mins against Valencia in CDR away
- played 32 mins against Barca at home in CDR
- Unused sub against Barca away in CDR
- played 17 mins against City at home in CL
- Subbed out after 45 mins against Dortmund in CL
- Played 15 mins and 31 mins against ManUtd in CL ko round.
- Played 7 mins in super cup against Barca.

Not surprising though, Jose wants his midfielders to be defensively good if he plays 4-2-3-1 as he relies on counter attacks rather than dominating big teams. Only Fabregas who wasn't defensively very good played in midfield 2 but then he had Oscar who was like a CM and a workhorse.

 

[dirkey]

Twitter is full of imbeciles bro, what do you even bother with it ?

Ah, the irony of this comment on a sports forum.

 

[togg]

Well something isn't right that is for sure. Mourinho is pretty ruthless when players don't adhere to his instructions. That's why he took Shaw off the other day. There are probably some issues between Mourinho and Pogba, which wouldn't be surprising, but I would imagine not as big as the media are making out. Pogba hasn't been great his season. His attitude is suspect and his work rate is not what it should be. For me, as I've always said, I just don't think he's that bright. He's not got the football intelligence to really make the most of his natural talents. Also, I'm starting to wonder whether he is really a team player.

 

[Rasfene]

Mou to sacrifice Pogba to fuel spending spree?
Jose Mourinho is willing to ax Paul Pogba and spend £200 million this summer on four star players to push Manchester United into Premier League title contention.

The Red Devils have fallen short in two consecutive seasons under Mourinho's guidance with the Champions League last-16 exit to Sevilla further heaping pressure on the Portuguese.

Pogba has failed to adapt to Mourinho's tactics, and the Mirror reports that the France international could be used as part of a multiplayer deal with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or even former club Juventus.

Raphael Varane is a £70m target along with Real teammate Toni Kroos, who would cost around £100m.

Mourinho could further strengthen his midfield options by moving for PSG's Marco Verratti, while Brazilian Marquinhos is another defensive option.

Juventus could be interested in taking back Pogba too, and with Alex Sandro -- valued at around £45m -- identified as the man to solve United's long-standing left-back issue.

 

[Darkhorsez]

Mou to sacrifice Pogba to fuel spending spree?
Jose Mourinho is willing to ax Paul Pogba and spend £200 million this summer on four star players to push Manchester United into Premier League title contention.

The Red Devils have fallen short in two consecutive seasons under Mourinho's guidance with the Champions League last-16 exit to Sevilla further heaping pressure on the Portuguese.

Pogba has failed to adapt to Mourinho's tactics, and the Mirror reports that the France international could be used as part of a multiplayer deal with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or even former club Juventus.

Raphael Varane is a £70m target along with Real teammate Toni Kroos, who would cost around £100m.

Mourinho could further strengthen his midfield options by moving for PSG's Marco Verratti, while Brazilian Marquinhos is another defensive option.

Juventus could be interested in taking back Pogba too, and with Alex Sandro -- valued at around £45m -- identified as the man to solve United's long-standing left-back issue.

Don’t believe what the papers say. He is not leaving.

 

[breakout67]

Pogba is definitely not leaving, and the fact that the manager has protected him through all this uncertainty is proof for me that their relationship is still good.

Not once has Pogba been questioned as a player; the changes have been 'tactical' or 'injury'. Not only that, but there has been repeated acknowledgment that Pogba has all the tools to be the best midfielder in the world.

I think this is just a kick up the arse, or a niggling injury. He was even on the bench for France, so he might not be at 100%.

 

[Canagel]

He needs good performances quickly. I'm sick to death of reading so many negative things so he needs good games to shut some people up. This international break has been ridiculous with so many anti United headlines. 'Pogba and Mourinho not speaking'. 'Sanchez upset and players blaming him for Sevilla defeat'. Papers need stuff to talk about in this international break so they fabricate lies to generate clicks. It's a disgrace. They've been doing this for a long time now and United are the easiest target. Can't wait for PL action to resume.

 

[Podgy Poet]

What is this??? People need to get a grip! There is a 0% chance that Pogba will be sold in the next year, and a 1% chance the year after. The probability of this is the same as the probability of Mourinho leaving, certainly for the coming year.

 

[SwSw]

Why not?
Maybe Pogba is pissed off playing negative football all the time and wants to be sold. Lets be honest, united are not going to win the PL or CL with Mourinho in charge. Maybe Pogba wants to go.

On the face of it us people in Joe Public ville only know Pogba has been crap in alot of game's hes played and is getting dropped and/or criticized as a result. He wont like that. We dont know whats causing his shit form. Hes not a world class act like some people think he is but hes capable of better thats for sure.

Somethings wrong though and I dont think Pogba is here next year if Mourinho is.

That's really a bold statement saying we would not be winning with Mourinho in charge.

I honestly think Pogba would not be leaving. I do not think the relationship between them has broken down. Example: Pogba approached Mourinho congratulating him during the press conference. Why would he do that if he disliked Mourinho? He really didn't have to do that.

 

[El-Manos]

What is this??? People need to get a grip! There is a 0% chance that Pogba will be sold in the next year, and a 1% chance the year after. The probability of this is the same as the probability of Mourinho leaving, certainly for the coming year.

This.

 

[crossy1686]

Don’t believe what the papers say. He is not leaving.

Don't think Woodward or any of the board would allow this to happen, regardless if what Jose wants. It's easier to replace Jose than it is Pogba and 4 other players.

 

[kouroux]

Ah, the irony of this comment on a sports forum.

Do precise, oh wise one...

 

[McGrathsipan]

That's really a bold statement saying we would not be winning with Mourinho in charge.

I honestly think Pogba would not be leaving. I do not think the relationship between them has broken down. Example: Pogba approached Mourinho congratulating him during the press conference. Why would he do that if he disliked Mourinho? He really didn't have to do that.

Its my opinion that Jose has too much work to do to overhaul City. And liverpool are probably better at the moment too.

Re Pogba ... I saw the hand shake and i honestly dont know what to make of it. But it's very clear that at the moment Pogba is in a bad place ..performance wise .
Maybe jose Will buy players that will change that in the summer. Ive no idea but i United and current style of play will be a hard sell to the top top players on the move.

 

[dirkey]

Do precise, oh wise one...

I'm not quite sure what you mean.

 

[royboy16]

Hypothetical,Would people take Kroos and Varane for Pogba ?

I would.

 

[el3mel]

Hypothetical,Would people take Kroos and Varane for Pogba ?

I would.

No.

Kroos will implement Matic and Pogba in a 3 men midfield perfectly and complete the last piece, but a 29 years old Kroos with Matic in a 2 men midfield will be more disastrous imo.

Pogba is younger than Kroos and still didn't reach his peak. He needs to improve more sides of his gameplay but I'm not willing to sell him.

 

[AngliaRed]

All this “He’s being sold” “ He has no relationship with JM anymore” its all a load of bellocks!!!

He’s a world class player going through a bad patch, and has been dropped. Just as all the below have:

Beckham
Giggs
Ronaldo
V.Nistelrooy
Rooney

All the above had weeks, months of playing shit and being dropped, just bacl then internet imbeciles didn’t have easy access to the WWW.

Calm down, He will be back in the starting lineup very soon as will soon get into a run of form! In the words from Topgun “ Keep sending him back up”

 

[Web of Bissaka]

Hypothetical,Would people take Kroos and Varane for Pogba ?

I would.

No.

I would consider longer term benefits to the team which Paul can potentially brings more than the two. Pogba have more rooms to grow, could even be much better reaching higher ceiling and we can get 5+ good seasons out of him, while Kroos is a ready made elite player and would high likely improve the team, but will he be the right choice to partner up with Matic? and probably around 3-4 good seasons we could get out of him before he starts to regress. As for Varane, would improve our CB situation yet new CB from other league can be a risk (hit or miss) and is he really "that" good? I like Varane and Kroos, but not in exchange for Pogba.

 

[Im red2]

Pogba spends too much time on his offield activities, he seems more interested in his multimedia image than he does in his football image. I bet he worries more about his hair colour for a match than he actually does about the game. The guy needs a major wake up.