Following Manchester United’s disappointing 1-0 away defeat to Dutch side Feyenoord in their opening game of the Europa League group stage, United legend Paul Scholes remarked that he doesn’t quite know what Paul Pogba’s position in the team was, adding that the Frenchman was “all over the place.”
“It’s been a little bit of a struggle for him so far. Tonight, again, wasn’t his best performance. I think it will come, it’s still early days,” Scholes said in his role as a pundit for BT Sports in the post match analysis. He went on to say, “I don’t really know what position he’s playing at the minute. Has he got a position? Has he been told to play where he wants? He seems to be a little all over the place at times. I think he’s trying to do too much on the ball.”
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United's Europa League loss came just five days after their derby defeat to Manchester City, and Pogba’s form in both games was emblematic of United’s performances. After making a bright start to his Manchester United career, the world record signing’s performances over the last two matches have left much to be desired.
“He’s trying to beat three or four players, he’s running with the ball. he should keep it simple for now. That’s not the player Manchester United bought. They didn’t buy a Lionel Messi to go and beat five players and stick it in the top corner all the time. They bought a powerful, strong midfield player who can the ball. He’s got skill, he can pass it forward, he can run,” Scholes said.
However, the United legend had no doubts in the Frenchman’s ability and said that he may be helped by the presence of a controlling influence next to him in United’s midfield.
“If he just plays one-two touch, sticks the ball into Zlatan and runs, nobody can live with that. He’s got so much pace, so much power. He needs a controlling midfield player next to him. They probably need to go into the transfer market for somebody like that. Michael (Carrick) is capable of it. But they still need that controlling midfielder, who can control where Paul goes and can control a game of football. I know Mourinho’s happy with the four players he bought, but they still need that type of player. A Luka Modric or a Toni Kroos. I think these players are available. I think Paul Pogba would be a much better player playing with these types of players.”
Mourinho could be looking for replacements in January
Among the other disappointments in United’s defeat to Feyenoord were fringe players like Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo. Having already being excluded from first team Premier League football, it would be no surprise if Mourinho dips into the transfer market in January to look for replacements for the trio. If he listens to Scholes’ advice, they would do well to have a new midfield presence along with Pogba in the team.
