MANCHESTER. — He is back in the Theatre of Dreams tonight but where will Paul Pogba play? Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho is happy with how Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini played during the 3-1 win in their last match. But, of course, they can’t keep out the world’s most expensive footballer for long.So, how will Mourinho line up Pogba in his team?

Juventus usually played 3-5-2 last season with the Frenchman playing on the left of the midfield three.

In the 2014 Champions League final against Barcelona, Max Allegri picked Pogba on the left of a midfield four that included Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo.

However, he is likely to be given a more central role at United. Mourinho’s ‘profile’ for his new midfielder was a box-to-box runner to compliment Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Ander Herrera or Marouane Fellaini.

At Juventus, Pogba showed he had the energy to defend while also creating chances and scoring goals.

He scored 34 goals in four years in Turin at roughly a goal every five games and scored 10 in each of his last two seasons. Mourinho has played with two midfielders and a No.10 since taking over at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are, for now, almost certain starters so Pogba will have to fit in around them.

It will either be as a genuine central midfielder or higher up the pitch.

Playing alongside a holding midfielder like Carrick or Schneiderlin would allow Pogba to get forward more often without worrying about being caught out by a counter-attack. He would have to be more mindful of his defensive duties if he was next to Herrera or Fellaini, both of whom can get forward, as well. Mourinho also has the option of playing Pogba alongside Rooney with another midfielder protecting the back four.

It is a similar role to the one Rooney filled for Louis van Gaal at the end of last season. He was one of United’s best players in the FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace. There is an issue with Ibrahimovc dropping off into their space, but that understanding would come with time spent on the pitch. — The Guardian.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey