When Ander Herrera limped off in Seville last night, Mourinho turned to the man he had somewhat controversially dropped for the first leg of the Champions League tie, Paul Pogba. Manchester United’s record signing had missed the game against Huddersfield due to illness but was expected to start against the Spanish side after participating in training.
As it happened, Pogba was named on the bench with Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic chosen to start in central midfield. Unfortunately for United, Herrera was substituted after just 17 minutes of the last-16 first leg tie with what Mourinho described as a ‘bad injury’.
So, on came Pogba, whose physicality kept United solid defensively, a part of his game that has been often criticised in the past. He was not allowed the freedom to stride forward but was disciplined enough to carry out the role his manager had asked of him and filled in for Herrera well.
With the Spaniard out for the upcoming few weeks, Pogba will once again be reinstated into the starting eleven and must perform well to earn Mourinho’s trust and find the form he showed earlier in the season.
As many Manchester United fans want, Mourinho could play a 4-3-3 system which would seem to suit the Frenchman’s game. With two more defensively aware midfielders in Nemanja Matic and McTominay alongside him, Pogba would be given the freedom he desires to go and influence the game in the attacking third.
Pogba has been at his best this season when linking up with Lukaku and co on the edge of the opposition box rather than tracking back. Alternatively, he could be deployed in the number 10 role of Mourinho 4-2-3-1 system which would also play to his strengths.
Mourinho must realise the player he has on his hands. Pogba is wasted as part of a two-man midfield and must be given the license to roam forward. This injury could force the manager's hand, but could work in United’s favour if he finds a system that fits his star man.
