Why Manchester United Must Keep Paul Pogba, As Barcelona Transfer Rumours Continue

Jose Mourinho was quick to play down his "feud" with Paul Pogba in Manchester United's pre-match press conference ahead of their match with Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow afternoon, and he was quick to tell reporters that Pogba will captain the side again on Sunday, like he did in their opening Premier League tie with Leicester City, as Antonio Valencia is still on the injury list.

Much has been made of Pogba's potential move to Barcelona, with the Spanish giants potentially looking to bolster their midfield before the European transfer window shuts on August 31, but Mourinho's decision to reward Pogba with the captaincy is a superb move by the Old Trafford boss, and he must show the Frenchman that he is loved at the Red Devils.

Pogba was instrumental in helping France lift the World Cup in Russia over the summer, as he produced some fine marauding midfield performances, and while there's no doubting the French national squad has a stronger look than that of United's current crop, Pogba showed why he is wanted by Barcelona and United have to keep him in the north west.

With Michael Carrick having left the playing staff at United, then they lack that player that can pick a scything pass at will, and Pogba has that ability, while he can provide some lung-busting runs from the centre of the park when on top form, and he is sure to provide Romelu Lukaku with a host of goal-scoring chances this season, as well as scoring his own goals.

A cool penalty last week against Leicester is sure to have given Pogba more confidence - if the self-assured Frenchman needs it - and having only been back at the club for a couple of weeks after an extended summer break following his World Cup exertions, then you aren't likely to see the best of Pogba until September at the earliest, so they have to keep his services if they are to challenge for the title.

With the English transfer window now shut, if Pogba was to exit Old Trafford by the end of this month then United fans will have to get used to a season of mediocrity once again, and challenging Manchester City for the title will be an impossible task.