The Pogba experiment has failed and we need to move on - Here's why
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
The phrase was first coined by high school basketball coach Tim Notke and certainly befits the sometimes genius, sometimes lamentable Paul Pogba.
After Pogba's controversial midweek comments while away on France International duty, the age-old question has reared its head again: "Should United sell Pogba?"
On his day, he's a World Cup winner and world-beater. Not just on his day - he still remains the focal point in all United's play both offensively and defensively.
Constantly, and without fail, players look for Pogba on the field of play regardless of his position and United sometimes find themselves going back to go forwards which frustrates fans and players alike.
It's become a norm to pass the ball to Pogba to find the killer pass rather than the player with the ball shouldering the challenge themselves.
Is it then a wonder as to why Solskjær has preferred a dynamic midfield duo of Fred and McTominay? No doubts can be cast on the pair's work rate, however, an argument could be made that the two together do not possess the qualities that Pogba sometimes seems to take for granted.
For France, he is a midfield monster, a leader who drags his teammates to new heights. No doubt the players still idolize him and he commands their respect in the dressing room, but does a time come when that is simply not enough?
Is it down to United to stick with Pogba and try to find the right midfield dynamic that can combine Pogba and Fernandes together? Or is it time United cut their losses with the Frenchman and look to building the midfield anew under Fernandes?
In my opinion, the time has come. We should rebuild and move on. The experiment has failed. It seems insane to sell a player of his quality to a European rival but is it also insane keeping him at the club.
Albert Einstein is widely credited with saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." Is that what United are doing with Pogba?
Let me know what you think in the comments below 👇
Also, as this is my big 10th article thanks to everyone who takes time out of their day to listen to my inane ramblings
Comments
it is good to sale him cos to me there are players ole will play and they will give him all he need,you can't play two attacking players in the middle,without a defending midfielder,which pogba can't give them what they want,so for good or for better they find solution about pogba issue
I agree Musa, they need to find a solution to the problem. I think a sale is the best way to do this. He doesn't seem to be a defensive minded player and Fernandes is better going forward so what do you do? Ole was right to drop him in my opinion as he did little to deserve his spot on the team.
Hi Jp, first of all, a HUGE congrats on completing your 10th blog post for us :D All of us at Tribuna appreciate the work that goes into it and we're already waiting for your next piece! The thing with Pogba is I've personally never been a fan of flashy players or social media antics. Yes, he brings a lot to the table in terms of skills but what good are those if you cannot help the team? People say 'oh he's not being played in his preferred position', well, tough luck! There are so many players who play out of position and they may not be World Cup winners or even half as skilled as Pogba but the difference is in their attitude - something which has been quite shit for Pogba. Btw, I've edited your post to make certain parts stand out and have also changed the title and photo to make it more punchy. It's been shared on our main feed as well, and thanks once again for a great post 🥳
Thank you very much 😊
Meghna, Totally agree with you about Pogba and what he can bring to the table. Seems like we've been waiting a century to finally see the "Real Paul Pogba." While he has the potential to change the game, as we saw against City and Leicester in seasons past, he also has the ability to be a massive hindrance to the other 10 players. He is too sloppy in possession for a player who is so physically powerful. He, at times infuriates me when he gives the ball away in the middle of the park by taking way more touches than needed and trying to prove how good he is in a 1v1 battle, where many times already this season he has come out the loser. If it was under 10 football, and a child was trying to show off like that in matches you would try to break that habit immediately, not only for the benefit of the child but for the whole team. He plays like a mercenary and his comments mid week seem to highlight this fact also. Don't misunderstand me, I have nothing against Pogba and like I said, on his day he is a phenomenal talent, but for me, work rate and consistency are the building blocks of any great team. You have to be willing to bleed for the club and I don't feel Pogba particularly wants to even sweat for the club these days.
Jp, I think this is the view of a lot of the more measured fans, myself included, and just like you, I'm a big fan of the player. The problem being, we never seem to see that player. As far as I'm concerned now, it really is the last throw of the dice for him. I'd really like to see a midfield diamond of Matic, Pogba, VdB/Fred and Bruno and then there really is no hiding place. On form, I believe he'd really make a difference but there's no more room for passengers now.
Dean, thats where we are unfortunately at this stage. We as a club are carrying too many passengers. We seem unable to get rid of high earners who don't make the match day squad. Pogba is different. He has more ability than most but its what you do with that ability is important. If he had McTominays passion would I even have had to write this article?
That's the sad truth. I've been one of Pogba's biggest supporters but even I'm struggling to see the positives now. I really hope something clicks and he knuckles down and starts even just trying to do the basics well but I fear that day has been and gone.
I'm afraid it is. We've been hoping for that since he signed in 2016 and we've only seen glimpses of what the man is capable of. Sad really, as he is no doubt a phenomenal talent. Just wish he showed a bit more respect and passion for the club. We live in hope 🙏
You are talking about a lazy good for nothing Micky taker he would not get in sidmouth towns team
We all hoped, Ole also,given time ,Pogba would start showing his true genious from the past on a constant basis.we have all given him enough time and for the good of the team and he himself its a fitting moment to be moving on.
I think that hits the nail on the head Emil. Its not as if United havent given Pogba a chance to showcase his talent. He has had his fair share of chances and then some. Think its better for all parties to come to a conclusion on this.