Paul Pogba once again faces a critical summer in his future after another underwhelming campaign for Manchester United. The 28-year-old should be operating at the peaks of his powers but has struggled for form over the last two seasons, making 64 appearances and notching seven goals to his name. Pogba only contributed nine assists in that period in all competitions, highlighting the lack of value that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team are receiving from the Frenchman.
It’s fair to say the move has not generated the success the club was hoping for when they paid Juventus £90m for his services when he returned to Old Trafford in 2016. However, he has been a solid player for France, and continues to fare well under the tenure of Didier Deschamps. Pogba was an essential part of Les Bleus’ outfit that was considered the leading contenders for the Euros in the UEFA European Football Championship betting odds. Playing for his country appears to bring out the best in the midfielder. He was instrumental in France’s triumph in the 2018 World Cup, scoring in the final in their 4-2 win over Croatia.
The performances at the World Cup gave Pogba a new lease of life at Manchester United, producing the best term of his career with the Red Devils in the 2018/19 season. He scored 13 goals in the Premier League along with nine assists, relishing the responsibility in the middle of the park. United themselves did not enjoy a good season, finishing in sixth place in the table after sacking Jose Mourinho halfway through the campaign. Pogba and Mourinho had a strained relationship, and although he found his form once he left the dugout, the two years since have been fairly underwhelming under Solskjaer.
Pogba now finds himself in a familiar position at a crossroads in his career. In a perfect world, United would be keen to move on from the Frenchman, although they are unlikely to find a buyer that could match their valuation. Given the financial issues that some major clubs are experiencing, a return to Juventus would be difficult, while Barcelona and Real Madrid don’t have enough options in the middle of the park even if they could afford a deal. No team in the Premier League would take the gamble, having witnessed Pogba’s displays first hand over the last six years.
Paris Saint-Germain could be an alternative as they have the funds, although after completing a deal for Georginio Wijnaldum, it’s difficult to see where Pogba would fit in the line-up. All signs point to him remaining at United until the end of his contract in June 2022. It would be a massive disappointment for the Red Devils not to get a return on their investment, but on the other hand, they would have to come to a new agreement with a player that is approaching 30.
Pogba may only have one more season to prove his worth and perhaps ensure that he remains at an elite club in the future. All eyes are on the 28-year-old to see if he can rise to the occasion again.