It’s time to analyze what happened during the 2018-19 season for Manchester United. And for that, we will go checking each players individually to rate their performances, give a brief summary of what happened over the course of the campaign, and assess the role of the player in the upcoming campaign — if he stays with the club:
Let’s continue with Paul Pogba. One of the club’s best players, he was also one of the most criticised names when things went south. He experienced an uptick on his performances following the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he was slightly below what many expected out of him considering he kind of player he is. Due to this, it’s still unclear whether he will remain at the club once the 2019/20 season kicks in.
Appearances across all competitions
Pogba was one of the players who featured the most for Manchester United this past season. The France international registered 35 Premier League appearances while making nine UEFA Champions League starts. He also featured in three FA Cup outings. Pogba managed to crack the scoresheet in every single tournament, although was at his best in the second half of the season.
Pogba was Manchester United’s top scorer throughout the season. He had 13 goals in the EPL, and overall he registered 16 goals with 11 assists across all competitions. Those numbers are even more impressive if we consider he spent the entire season as a central midfielder. However, that was not enough to save him from criticism.
Did he perform above or below the expectations?
Here’s the thing. Pogba is one of the most expensive midfielders in the world and, when he’s focused, he can be one of the most dominant players in the world. But the numbers are not everything in football. And that’s why Pogba received harsh criticism when things became complicated at Old Trafford.
For instance, Pogba was sent off in the first leg of the Champions League tie against PSG, and did not take in part in the club’s impressive turnaround on French soil. Most of the doubts concerning him were related to his lack of effort and interest as well. The best example was the Champions League match against Valencia, where Pogba could barely perform passes at teammates that were two feet away from him. There were several instances throughout the season as if he didn’t care what was going on.
Sure, Pogba had a direct involvement in 27 goals across all competitions. But he should’ve been far more consistent throughout the campaign. Had he given the maximum effort day in and day out, things could’ve been different for The Red Devils. Unfortunately, we will never know.
Will he be a part of Manchester United during the 2019-20 season?
No one knows what Pogba is going to do, and he could easily be one of the biggest transfer histories this summer. Real Madrid wants him. Juventus wants him. Manchester United does not want to sell him. And the player? He has said time and time again that he wants “a new challenge” in his career. That sounds like he wants to leave, especially considering United won’t participate in the UEFA Champions League during the 2019/20 season.
The ball is in United’s feet now. Selling Pogba might not be ideal, but it could be the quickest path to gain fresh funds and strengthen the side in other areas.
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