Manchester United supporters have been crying out for a midfielder who can tackle (sorry Paul Scholes) for years now; there seems to be a new man linked every week with the papers.
We’ve seen Cheik Tiote, Arturo Vidal and Yann Mvilla all linked in the past, with the likes of Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Anderson seemingly not able to produce tough tackling displays to help dominate key matches.
Sunday’s controversial fixture against Chelsea was another fixture in which Alex Ferguson’s midfielders failed to dominate after a great start, eventually getting overrun by the excellent trio of Oscar, Mata, and Hazard. Today’s papers see Lars Bender linked (cue inappropriate headlines), but has Fergie let slip a real gem of a midfielder go for nothing?
Paul Pogba was tipped for stardom from a young age, starring in the youth team, and impressing in first team training when he was involved. Hardcore United fans who were watching the reserve teams were shouting from the rooftops about the French youngster, who seemed to have the lot. Great passing ability, first touch, awareness, and most importantly, an excellent physique that would have surely seen him excel in the Premier League, a type of physique which is not so dissimilar to Manchester neighbours’ Yaya Toure.
Ferguson’s ethos, quite rightly in my view, is that players must work hard and be patient to don the famous United shirt, and with Pogba in demand from such a young age and demanding first team appearances, this was never going to sit well with the legendary Boss.
Serie A champions Juventus picked up the 19-year-old on a free, and unfortunately for United fans, are already reaping the benefits from playing the youngster in the first team. Perhaps Ferguson should have given the midfielder what he wanted, whatever his attitude was, to accomidate him in his first team as he certainly seems ready!
Pogba scored his first goal for the Turin giants against Napoli two weekends ago, where you can see the stature of the Frenchman, as well as showcasing his ability on his weaker foot. Forza Juve!
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