The debate over Paul Pogba’s best position at Manchester United has been topical ever since he made his record transfer from Juventus in 2016.
The Frenchman has played in a box-to-box role, attacking midfield and a deeper lying position in his return to Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But the debate is yet to be concluded with an answer that we can all agree upon.
United great Rio Ferdinand has weighed in, suggesting Pogba is more proficient in attacking areas and is wasted just doing a job in front of the back four.
“I don’t feel he’s been played in his best position a lot of the time, one of a three in the more attacking side of the three,” Ferdinand said on his Youtube channel, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“I think playing him as defensive midfielder, I think he can do it but if you want him to be the £90million star I think the best position for him is the attacking role to create stuff. When you bought him from Juventus, what was he doing there?”
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We agree that Pogba is most effective in behind the front three creating chances.
However, Bruno Fernandes has all but made the attacking midfield role his own under Solskjaer since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January.
The Portuguese midfielder has shown the Norwegian what he has been missing this season, scoring three goals and contributing four assists in nine appearances.
Therefore, in order to play Pogba further forward, Solskjaer may have to alter his system in order to get the best out of both Fernandes and Pogba.
Alternatively, the World Cup winner could play slightly deeper in the role occupied by Fred for the majority of this season.
The conversation of Pogba’s best position for United will become futile if he gets a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
Juventus and Real Madrid have been mentioned as potential suitors but a move may be difficult to compete amid the financial challenges around the coronavirus pandemic.
