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Nowadays, there are very few things United fans have to cheer about. However, the return of Paul Pogba from a long-term injury is likely to boost the squad morale ahead of a massive fixture-list. Not only the team, but the fans would definitely heave a sigh of relief.
Pogba's return to the squad means Manchester United will somehow get its benefits. If everything flows in the right direction, the French World Cup-winning midfielder could be the answer to a number of unsolvable questions for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Pogba's return:
Following an away defeat in Kazakhstan last midweek, Ole provided an update on Pogba's return to the main team. He said,
"He's stepping up his recovery and let's see how soon he'll be match-fit and available."
We've missed him when he's been away. I think some of the players - Scotty and Fred - have taken up that challenge and have done well but of course, it's a boost for us when he comes back."
Further fuelling the rumours of his return, Paul Pogba was spotted outside the AON Training Complex at Carrington.
Pogba this season so far:
Pogba, in the Premier League, has played only five games this season and has added two assists to his name. Both of his assists came from United's 4-0 victory over Chelsea FC in the season opener.
After missing nearly a month of football, Pogba made his return in the Carabao Cup draw and produced an ordinary performance against Rochdale. Due to the lack of acquisitions in the midfield department, Ole had no option as he landed Paul Pogba in a massive game against Arsenal with a reported ankle injury.
Since then, Pogba has been out of United's main squad due to a major injury. We can also say that It was the aftereffects of the Arsenal game that see him out of the team when he is needed the most.
Only Pogba's return could save Ole's job:
Since Tottenham sacked Mauricio Pochettino, there has been a cloud of uncertainty over Ole's future. Moreover, Ole's recent run of achieving unconvincing results have turned the majority of the fanbase against him.
While some think Ole is not good enough for that gigantic post, some fans admit the players are the culprits for the dreadful results. Still, we all know that the crisis lies in the midfield.
What do United lack these days?
Despite releasing Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, United started the new season without making any new acquisitions. A trio of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred might be a useful fix to the midfield dilemma, but the fact is that Solskjaer has never fielded the aforementioned midfield combination this season in a single match.
Everything was going flawlessly for Man United as Scott McTominay filled Pogba's shoes very professionally and produced a solid run of outstanding performances with Fred. The calamity happened to United when the Scot received an ankle injury in their 3-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
In the Premier League, United played their last two matches with only one box-to-box midfielder in Fred. Accordingly, they drew both games against two relatively weaker opponents (Sheffield United and Aston Villa).
In those two matches, Fred and makeshift midfielder Andreas Pereira were totally dominated by the opponents' midfielders as there was no tenacity at the middle of the park for Manchester United. United certainly lack two box-to-box midfielders, who not only make United defensively solid with their physical strength but also help the side with their offensive prowesses.
Where should Pogba play?
The return of Paul Pogba not only gives Solskjaer a midfield option but also provides an edge when it comes to creating chances. Pogba is a dynamic player, who can play in a number of positions in the midfield.
Acknowledging his incredible passing qualities, a number of football pundits think that Pogba could don the no.10 or attacking midfield role very easily.
Eventually, we haven't seen him much at that position in recent years. With Scott McTominay also expected to make his return from injury, it would be interesting to see how Solskjaer employs the French World Cup winner.
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