[Jim Beam]

Personally think this is the conclusion Mourinho has reached as well and why Fred is the first one in and why he's allegedly earmarked Verratti as the marquee signing he wants to make. He virtually always picked a midfield 3 over the last couple of months of the season and also replaced Faria with McKenna who will apparently be running training sessions.

I think he's aware that the team and Pogba, among others, wasn't good enough or cohesive enough going forward and wants to address that with personnel and tactical tweaks. Next year is ultimately a major make or break year for Pogba, Mourinho and a bunch of players in the squad.

Hope that as well. For all the talk about him being underwhelming, I think we never really tried to build the team to suit his best qualities. So, yeah, next season is a massive one for him as it seems we will play him in a more defined role.

Corentin Tolisso from Bayern Munich has looked more energetic, incisive with his passing and focused than him. He is under serious threat tbh

Forget about him, Tolisso is pretty good from those few games I watched. Isn't he also a little bit weak when it comes to defensive contribution, though? Could be wrong, didn't watch him enough.

 

[kouroux]

Hope that as well. For all the talk about him being underwhelming, I think we never really tried to build the team to suit his best qualities. So, yeah, next season is a massive one for him as it seems we will play him in a more defined role.



Forget about him, Tolisso is pretty good from those few games I watched. Isn't he also a little bit weak when it comes to defensive contribution, though? Could be wrong, didn't watch him enough.

He is (or at least seems) more active than Pobga. He has improved a lot at Bayern and has had decent for France whenever playing recently.
Deschamps made a few remarks about Pogba needing to more much more after the Italy game, many journos are seeing them as big time warnings

 

[Harry190]

He wants to play futsal instead of football it seems. Special privileges he wants.

 

[Jim Beam]

He is (or at least seems) more active than Pobga. He has improved a lot at Bayern and has had decent for France whenever playing recently.
Deschamps made a few remarks about Pogba needing to more much more after the Italy game, many journos are seeing them as big time warnings

Ah, I see, doesn't look like the best moments in Pogba's career. Will be interesting to see how he will react.

 

[Bobski]

Plenty of Pogxcuses in that article.

 

[kouroux]

Ah, I see, doesn't look like the best moments in Pogba's career. Will be interesting to see how he will react.

True test of his character Indeed

 

[K2K]

Its troubling that he is showing the same poor traits for France that he does for us. Because you cant even blame Mou for it now.

I wish he had the same drive that Ronaldo has, because imo he has the talent to be that good.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

Its troubling that he is showing the same poor traits for France that he does for us. Because you cant even blame Mou for it now.

I wish he had the same drive that Ronaldo has, because imo he has the talent to be that good.

In Sir Alex's book he says that if he were still a manager, he would sign players based on their drive and attitude rather than just their ability. I think it was shortly after he was speaking about Ronaldo's amazing drive to succeed.

But It's hard not to think of that quote more and more with Pogba. I do however think he'll still click with United. I still think he needs to grow up.

 

[K2K]

In Sir Alex's book he says that if he were still a manager, he would sign players based on their drive and attitude rather than just their ability. I think it was shortly after he was speaking about Ronaldo's amazing drive to succeed.

But It's hard not to think of that quote more and more with Pogba. I do however think he'll still click with United. I still think he needs to grow up.

Lets hope so.

He can start by doing well this Summer.

 

[Bastian]

“You're not going to criticise Messi when he walks on the park. If he scores three goals are you going to say: 'Ah but he's walking on the pitch?' No. You can't tell me how to play." Link.

I think that's his problem in a nutshell. He doesn't understand that he is not a number 10 who makes everything happen in the game. A midfielder cannot afford to preserve his energy like Messi does. I can't think of players outside of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar who can get away with that. His lack of dynamism will hold him back from realising his potential (which isn't to become a Messi type player).

 

[BusbyMalone]

Strange quotes those. There's a major tournament in nine days and the scrutiny that he'll be under will be huge. His head doesn't seem in the right place to be going into this World Cup. Could have a huge negative impact in him.

Also, i would like to ask him how we should judge him. We shouldn't judge you on goals? Ok. So we should judge you on your defensive game? 'Cause it ain't great, my man. You have a real lack of discipline in that role and often fall asleep which hurts the team. The quotes about Messi are absolutely fecking ridiculous. There must be a complete lack of self-awareness if he can't see why he's being judged differently to arguably the best player who has ever played the game. There's a reason why he gets away with certain things other players (like Pogba) don't get away with.

I worry for the guy this summer. Hopefully i'm wrong and he smashes it - would love for this to happen - but i'm not sure.

 

[Stacks]

much of what he said was good and gave me confidence as to him having high standards for himself. The Messi thing though? Does he think he has earned the same rights as Messi to walk around and do less than teammates? for one, Messi is an attacking phenom, which Paul mentioned with the whole "scores 3 goals part". Pogba does not score 40 goals and rack up 20 assists so will never have that leniance. He (Messi) also plays up top which is less of a risk where as Paul plays CM. troubling comment and I hope it was taken out of context.

 

[Minimalist]

Its troubling that he is showing the same poor traits for France that he does for us. Because you cant even blame Mou for it now.

I wish he had the same drive that Ronaldo has, because imo he has the talent to be that good.

We seen that in the Euro's before he signed with United as well.

That's why despite my issues with Mourinho's approach, I don't blame him for the Pogba issue.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

We seen that in the Euro's before he signed with United as well.

That's why despite my issues with Mourinho's approach, I don't blame him for the Pogba issue.

Yeah, same.

Can any French fans remember if he was similarly hit and miss for France back when he was supposedly playing much better for Juventus?

 

[kouroux]

His head does not seem to be in a good place at all, judging by those quotes. French fans love a scapegoat (especially a black one, from the banlieues) so this World Cup could turn him into even more damaged goods. I’m seriously starting to wonder if we might be better off moving on from the whole Pogba project.

What ?? Some of the most adored and respected sportsmen in France were black men/women from Les Banlieus. It has nothing to do with it, we see potential simply nowhere near being utilized fully and at some point you have to consider moving on from potential to less talented players but much more reliable. In the long term, I suspect this is what will happen for both club and country. Pogba thinks he is being judged on goals and the lack thereof, this is the proof that he is sooo deluded and cluless about his real situation.

If his midfield performances were much better and more consistent, goals would be seen as a bonus, no requires goals from the best midfielders in the world because they do their job first and firemost, if they can score, it's welcome, it's a bonus.
Pobga seems to think he's doing his job as midfielder to full satisfaction already and is criticized for a lack of output.

It's hard to improve when you do not even know what you should improve on

Yeah, same.

Can any French fans remember if he was similarly hit and miss for France back when he was supposedly playing much better for Juventus?

He has always been the same. Pogba has been blowing hot and cold air for France since his first cap. He has never set the world alight consistently but since there haven't any quality options to challenge up until now, he's always felt safe to start

 

[Pogue Mahone]

What ?? Some of the most adored and respected sportsmen in France were black men/women from Les Banlieus. It has nothing to do with it, we see potential simply nowhere near being utilized fully and at some point you have to consider moving on from potential to less talented players but much more reliable. In the long term, I suspect this is what will happen for both club and country. Pogba thinks he is being judged on goals and the lack thereof, this is the proof that he is sooo deluded and cluless about his real situation.

If his midfield performances were much better and more consistent, goals would be seen as a bonus, no requires goals from the best midfielders in the world because they do their job first and firemost, if they can score, it's welcome, it's a bonus.
Pobga seems to think he's doing his job as midfielder to full satisfaction already and is criticized for a lack of output.

It's hard to improve when you do not even know what you should improve on

That was a bit of a throwaway comment because I remembered the 2010 debacle being in part down to the fans feeling the team had got too black. I think I read Lilian Thuram saying something along those lines? Looks like I got the wrong end of the stick.

He has always been the same. Pogba has been blowing hot and cold air for France since his first cap. He has never set the world alight consistently but since there haven't any quality options to challenge up until now, he's always felt safe to start

Well that’s depressing. Looks more and more like he wasn’t even that good in his Juventus days and we’ve been taken for a ride.

 

[kouroux]

Well that’s depressing. Looks more and more like he wasn’t even that good in his Juventus days and we’ve been taken for a ride.

That was my initial reaction, Juventus mugged us but you know with a new coach, new league, new status, I hoped that Pogba would use that opportunity to emerge and reach another level. His first game for us against Southampton was incredible in that regard.
The high fee was more because of the (I hate the word) marketing side of things than his real football ability

 

[Charles Miller]

I dont know why this player is always under a particularly severe scrutiny. Could be due to values involved in his transfer, but in a world where everybody costs $50 millions people should be numbed to those financial details.

He was having a good game against Italy imo. Nothing remarkable but created two clear chances to his teammates. Then he tried a long range and its was awful. The ball goes to the sideline. Something that can happen with any player. After that shot you could hear the negative energy in part of the crowd whe Pogba was in the ball.

I have this impression that many people want to see him fail for some reason. What's very bizarre.

 

[breakout67]

We paid over the odds for Pogba to get him from Madrid's clutches. Zidane confirmed they were in for Pogba but the valuation was too high.

Pogba's 'real' valuation was probably £60-70m, but he was earmarked as the man to build the new midfield with and we were desperate after the Moyes fiasco and LVG squad killing.

 

[tomaldinho1]

We paid over the odds for Pogba to get him from Madrid's clutches. Zidane confirmed they were in for Pogba but the valuation was too high.

Pogba's 'real' valuation was probably £60-70m, but he was earmarked as the man to build the new midfield with and we were desperate after the Moyes fiasco and LVG squad killing.

I think it'll be a steal if he stays here long term because the potential is there for an excellent player. All players are overpriced if they're remotely young these days.

I can see us going with a Pog - Matic - Fred CM next season. Am hoping what I hear about Fred's dynamism is true because that's something we really lack in there. Add this Dalot character and an RW and I'm content.

 

[Gasolin]

I hope we don't sell Pogba to Madrid to get Ronaldo and/or Bale. Let them think on how to deal with that themselves. We should focus on other areas anyway.
Pogba is one of our "home grown" players, he cannot leave just like that.

 

[breakout67]

I think it'll be a steal if he stays here long term because the potential is there for an excellent player. All players are overpriced if they're remotely young these days.

I can see us going with a Pog - Matic - Fred CM next season. Am hoping what I hear about Fred's dynamism is true because that's something we really lack in there. Add this Dalot character and an RW and I'm content.

Of course his price will mean nothing if he's part of our midfield for a decade. But there's no guarantee of that (as we are seeing now with him struggling and making noise in the media). That's probably why Madrid opted out of going into a bidding war with us.

When the money was announced, I thought we were overpaying but I didn't care because we were getting a great player in. But the question is can he move up a level to be one of the best in the world? I think it is possible because he is still not in his prime.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Of course his price will mean nothing if he's part of our midfield for a decade. But there's no guarantee of that (as we are seeing now with him struggling and making noise in the media). That's probably why Madrid opted out of going into a bidding war with us.

When the money was announced, I thought we were overpaying but I didn't care because we were getting a great player in. But the question is can he move up a level to be one of the best in the world? I think it is possible because he is still not in his prime.

It also depends on who he's playing with - he's playing in a relatively defensive set up and he still notched 6 goals and 10 assists (also remembering he had a medium term muscle injury as well that kept him out from a few games). The way Mou plays football he'll never be top of the statistics pile but that's to be expected from an all rounder CM.

The reason I mention an RW as a priority is given he's the most 'creative' CM, last season it was probably very easy to cut off his forward passes - it's either going up to Lukaku or wide to Martial/Sanchez on the LW. With a balanced LW, CF, RW line it allows us to stretch teams and we become far less predictable. Look at Liverpool - they cause so many problems simply by having raw pace across their forward line, many of their goals are just taking advantage of high defensive lines to get in behind with route one balls.

 

[breakout67]

It also depends on who he's playing with - he's playing in a relatively defensive set up and he still notched 6 goals and 10 assists (also remembering he had a medium term muscle injury as well that kept him out from a few games). The way Mou plays football he'll never be top of the statistics pile but that's to be expected from an all rounder CM.

The reason I mention an RW as a priority is given he's the most 'creative' CM, last season it was probably very easy to cut off his forward passes - it's either going up to Lukaku or wide to Martial/Sanchez on the LW. With a balanced LW, CF, RW line it allows us to stretch teams and we become far less predictable. Look at Liverpool - they cause so many problems simply by having raw pace across their forward line, many of their goals are just taking advantage of high defensive lines to get in behind with route one balls.

I don't have much issue with Pogba's end product. I have already accepted that he cannot be a pivotal midfielder and will play as an auxillary midfielder/playmaker next season. Among the problems in the squad Pogba is not a big one.

Fred does a lot of running forward and tracking back which fits better in the system as a partner to Matic. Hopefully, this means Pogba can operate in better areas for his skillset and become a complement to the forwards like Lampard and Ozil did previously.

 

[Rajma]

He really is a bit deluded, can't believe he made the Messi comparison with the straight face. I was defending him a lot throughout this season but I honestly would consider swapping him for Savic.

Just put your head down and work on being better without coming up with similar nonsense, should stay away from social media too if it affects his mental well-being this much. You normally want a great footballing brain from the players out and about the middle of park, he doesn't seem to have it, unfortunately.

Still hope he can turn things around and go up a level under the right guidance if he himself wants to listen and take on board the criticism.

 

[breakout67]

He really is a bit deluded, can't believe he made the Messi comparison with the straight face. I was defending him a lot throughout this season but I honestly would consider swapping him for Savic.

Just put your head down and work on being better without coming up with similar nonsense, should stay away from social media too if it affects his mental well-being this much. You normally want a great footballing brain from the players out and about the middle of park, he doesn't seem to have it, unfortunately.

Still hope he can turn things around and go up a level under the right guidance if he himself wants to listen and take on board the criticism.

I doubt he's going to move up a level. We will be a better structured team which will mean Pogba isn't tracking runners into our box or marking attacking threats. Instead he'll be blocking passing lanes and pressing in the opponents half to win the ball back in dangerous positions.

If you look at Pogba in his younger days, he is virtually the same player now but more refined. He has the exact same habits like tricks in dangerous areas, long marauding dribbles into space etc. He's just better at it now, he beats his man with ease, is stronger and faster, has more consistent passing. In his younger days he lost the ball a lot more, and his final ball was all over the place.

 

[Jojo <3 Mou]

Plenty of Pogxcuses in that article.

I'm losing faith in him. He seems to lack accountability and has limited self awareness.

He needs someone who he trusts to have a serious talk with him and help him to realize that whilst he doesn't need to prove anything, he has a lot of work to do.

 

[kouroux]

In Sir Alex's book he says that if he were still a manager, he would sign players based on their drive and attitude rather than just their ability. I think it was shortly after he was speaking about Ronaldo's amazing drive to succeed.

But It's hard not to think of that quote more and more with Pogba. I do however think he'll still click with United. I still think he needs to grow up.

That is why he is the GOAT of managers. If a player has that and a little bit of talent, perfect mixture.

I'm losing faith in him. He seems to lack accountability and has limited self awareness.

He needs someone who he trusts to have a serious talk with him and help him to realize that whilst he doesn't need to prove anything, he has a lot of work to do.

Great point. However I still think he

 

[JPRouve]

That was a bit of a throwaway comment because I remembered the 2010 debacle being in part down to the fans feeling the team had got too black. I think I read Lilian Thuram saying something along those lines? Looks like I got the wrong end of the stick.



Well that’s depressing. Looks more and more like he wasn’t even that good in his Juventus days and we’ve been taken for a ride.

No, the public never put skin color in it, in fact at the time every single player were in the same bag and hated. Thuram, who spouts nonsense every time he opens his mouth was also dubbed as fake Malcolm X by Evra because Thuram was one of the voices against the players and one of the people that created the rift. Now about the banlieue, we did had politicians that played that card particularly regarding Gourcuff who was disliked by his teammates but also the public, some politicians tried to paint the picture that it was the "racaille" in english it would be scoundrels bullying the poor little Gourcuff, this interpretation has been received with laughter. And the ring leader was Ribéry.

 

[Canagel]

I dont know why this player is always under a particularly severe scrutiny. Could be due to values involved in his transfer, but in a world where everybody costs $50 millions people should be numbed to those financial details.

He was having a good game against Italy imo. Nothing remarkable but created two clear chances to his teammates. Then he tried a long range and its was awful. The ball goes to the sideline. Something that can happen with any player. After that shot you could hear the negative energy in part of the crowd whe Pogba was in the ball.

I have this impression that many people want to see him fail for some reason. What's very bizarre.

Because of the price tag which isn't really his fault. It seems though he has become a scapegoat at both club and country level and amongst fans and media. Pogba is maybe the only midfield player I've seen who gets judged like an attacking player. It's like people want him to do everything at once and then he's also told to keep it simple at the same time. If he doesn't score or assist he's had a bad game apparently.

 

[kbbear]

Just watched a Pogba skills videos on youtube, Pogba's got bags of skill and can be a entertainer too but he's being held back by Jose. He has to be give his freedom back.

 

[sugar_kane]

He’s been coming out with a few contentious comments since he’s been on tour with France.

I don’t question his talent but I do wonder about his mentality and if it will hold him back from getting to the highest level.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

Just watched a Pogba skills videos on youtube, Pogba's got bags of skill and can be a entertainer too but he's being held back by Jose. He has to be give his freedom back.

I disagree. He does have loads of skills, and can be an entertainer, but it seems sometimes he forgets he’s playing a game of football and not simply on the pitch to show off. His problem is one of maturity and learning to keep it simple and functional when need be.

A big part of the issue is not so much his fee, but the fact we’ve been heavily relying on him and he hasn’t been able to live up to it. I’d agree with you in that adding another couple of match-winners to the side he’ll be great as the maverick, who can give you something a little bit special. That’s only really accommodating his limitations as a complete footballer however.

I actually think if his role was to sit in front of the back four and spray passes around he’d be great. He seems to want to do it all, though. Be the big star, but not judged as such. Do everything but not be criticised when a lot of it fails to come off.

He had a great chance to be a hero in the FA Cup final and produced an utterly shit header. Stuff like that isn’t on Mourinho.

 

[Bwuk]

Really not sure what to think with Pogba.

We really need him to have an outstanding season next year.

He’s a mature experienced member of the squad - we need to stop constantly hearing excuses.

 

[Jeppers7]

I disagree. He does have loads of skills, and can be an entertainer, but it seems sometimes he forgets he’s playing a game of football and not simply on the pitch to show off. His problem is one of maturity and learning to keep it simple and functional when need be.

A big part of the issue is not so much his fee, but the fact we’ve been heavily relying on him and he hasn’t been able to live up to it. I’d agree with you in that adding another couple of match-winners to the side he’ll be great as the maverick, who can give you something a little bit special. That’s only really accommodating his limitations as a complete footballer however.

I actually think if his role was to sit in front of the back four and spray passes around he’d be great. He seems to want to do it all, though. Be the big star, but not judged as such. Do everything but not be criticised when a lot of it fails to come off.

He had a great chance to be a hero in the FA Cup final and produced an utterly shit header. Stuff like that isn’t on Mourinho.

He had some poor games this season. Had a poor spell which he puts down to a virus. It shouldn't be forgotten that he's had some great games, some really great games and up until his injury he'd had a great start to the season and was our talisman. A totally over the top reaction from so many in a season where really only the goalkeeper had a good season.

 

[Cliche Guevara]

He had some poor games this season. Had a poor spell which he puts down to a virus. It shouldn't be forgotten that he's had some great games, some really great games and up until his injury he'd had a great start to the season and was our talisman. A totally over the top reaction from so many in a season where really only the goalkeeper had a good season.

As I said: sometimes.

Generally, however, he has failed to quite hit the heights he could consistently for some of the reasons stated above.

 

[maniwin]

He has a child mentality , he sulk when things go wrong, he stop giving his best when Jose order him something he didn't agree with. If he dislike Jose , just be professional and do it for the club , he got paid tons to help the team to win and thats the only thing he should focus on. Stop playing around and give your best every match.

 

[Ali Dia]

Starting to lose patience with this lad. He’s one of our best players but nobody is bigger than the club and it’s pretty clear his head is all over the place. He needs a much better overal season next year or the fans here could start to turn on him too.

 

[Womp]

Just watched a Pogba skills videos on youtube, Pogba's got bags of skill and can be a entertainer too but he's being held back by Jose. He has to be give his freedom back.

He is the main creator and is given loads of freedom. In fact I think part of the problem is that he's given too much freedom. He strolls around for 80% of the season.

His problem isn't that he's being 'held back' by his manager, the major issue is that as talented as he is, it's becoming more and more evident he just doesn't have the mentality to make it.

Some of the shit he's been saying recently is nothing short of laughable. To even mention himself in the same sentence as Messi is a travesty in itself.

 

[RedDevilCanuck]

Doesn't he produce more assists per minute than de Bruyne?


He will get better with better players and a better system.

Saying that he needs to improve. He should score more and tune his decision making.

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