Profile
When Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a then world-record £89m at the age of 23 in August 2016, he was expected to become the leading figure in José Mourinho’s new-look team. Mourinho has since departed, and instead of developing into one of the world’s leading midfielders when he might be at his peak, Pogba, a World Cup winner with France, instead finds himself competing for selection in United’s midfield with Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
There is little question that he remains among the Premier League’s most talented players, but he continues to divide opinion and his future remains the subject of almost constant speculation, particularly given United’s apparent unwillingness to select him in what most observers consider his strongest position. “He can be a fantastic player,” said one-time United captain Gary Neville, expressing the views of those who continue to believe in Pogba. “I do think he can impact games, he’s got the courage and skill and experience and winning mentality to play in these games. I think it can happen.”