Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Paul Pogba admits he has more attacking freedom while with France
According to French outlet L’Equipe (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United star Paul Pogba has revealed that he is given more attacking freedom when he plays for France.
The 28-year-old is a key part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. However, he has failed to put up high-quality performances that we have come to expect of him.
Pogba is not often given a free role at Old Trafford and has defensive responsibilities to fulfil. This has to an extent restricted his impact at the other end of the pitch. While he still manages to score key goals for the Red Devils, it is more of an exception than a regular occurrence.
“It’s true that at Juve it was different from Manchester United.”
Interestingly, Pogba’s best form for United last season came when he was deployed in a left-wing role. He was given less defensive responsibility in the position and thrived in it. Speaking about the positions he has played in his career, Pogba admitted that his role in the United side requires more defensive focus than at any other team.
“In Manchester, I have the freedom to go into the box, but the priority is to play and defend.”
Pogba also had more freedom at Juventus. The Italians employed a 5-3-2 system that left the Frenchman free to attack. It was in Turin that Pogba transcended from a talented youngster into a world-class player.
“We were already playing with three midfielders [at Juventus], in 5-3-2. I had the freedom, I had to be in the box, to attack. It was an obligation.”
A drop in quality
While one can understand Pogba’s predicament, he will need to understand that his duty is to make the team better and not the other way around. He plays alongside N’Golo Kante for France and shared the field with Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal at Juventus!
In all fairness, there is a significant drop in quality when you compare that trio to Fred and Scott McTominay. It is debatable whether this is Pogba angling for a move or just venting out his frustration. Maybe, he could just be sending a subtle message to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as to how best to deploy him.
With his contract set to expire next year, it is going to be a pivotal summer for both him and United. Whether he signs an extension or seeks a new challenge elsewhere remains to be seen.
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While Pogba’s frustrations are understandable, he will do with taking a leaf out of Georginio Wijnaldum’s book. The marauding Netherlands ace played a largely withdrawn role for Liverpool that often starved him of goals and assists.
However, he performed the duty with minimal fuss and was a pivotal player in Jurgen Klopp’s system. Football is a team sport and at times, one will have to don a role that may not put them in the limelight. Pogba will do well to contribute to the team than expect more from it.
