The importance of Paul Pogba’s presence in Manchester United’s midfield has been underlined in the first-half against AC Milan in Cardiff.
The Frenchman is missing from this evening’s friendly with a back spasm and the combination of Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic have struggled in midfield.
There seems a lack of energy with the pair holding in midfield, particularly Matic who has had a poor half in truth.
NEXT:(Watch) Suso scores excellent AC Milan leveller, capitalising on Matic mistake
Matic’s mistake was responsible for AC Milan’s equalising goal; he was dispossessed on the ball before Spanish playmaker Suso curled home on the edge of the box.
Many United fans have lamented Matic’s performance so far, and there is a concern whether he is ready to start next Sunday’s Premier League opener against former club Chelsea.
See some half-time reaction below:
Loving the player cams today
Currently on Matic. pic.twitter.com/N5iHE07DyY
— Paul Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll2) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/MrTomMcDermott/status/1157702378365345792
Without Pogba in midfield Manchester United are struggling to keep possession. With Matić and McTominay AC Milan know that the quality of passing is not as high and, thus, are positioning themselves 10-15 yards higher. With Pogba, they would be forced deeper which opens space.
— UtdArena (@UtdArena) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/ManUtdMindset/status/1157700838846078977
OGS has to make a decision on Matic he's completely unaware of his positional sense at all now
— FIGHT4MUFC (@mufc4thefans) August 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/Prime_MUFC/status/1157700098102575105
https://twitter.com/PeoplesPerson_/status/1157703618839138304
Nemanja Matić did not have a picture of his surroundings before he received the ball. Any player who opens himself to a pass in that position has to know his surroundings. This is a clear indication of his decline and why McTominay will be favoured over him in many games.
— UtdArena (@UtdArena) August 3, 2019
