still tribal, however due to marketing and the knock-on effects from it, football has changed from tribal to monetary. Whilst fans today are still loyal to clubs, some have shifted to having loyalty to individual players. Paul and I believe his agent continuously continue to play the game with both the media and negotiation traits to get better contracts with the club and sponsors. An example would be that before an important game, the PR marketing machine launch a phone app for his fans. Some would say, its not him, but his PR team, others would argue that he would have given consent and if he were in control of such team, instruct them to do so during a period which is not critical to the team. Some forget that he left under a cloud or sense of being a spoilt brat who agreed terms with Juventus under the noses of Sir Alex and David Gill, his behaviour was not helping the situation through media interviews and also comments from his agent. Once the internal issue with Mourinho continued to escalate, one would question if Mourinho was at fault or whether it was Pogba’s attitude. Even this matter was raised by pundits during a game, as to whether Pogba was agreeing to these comments by his agent and if such comments were a direct reflection of his performances.
Pogba’s Revival
by Daniel Cuschieri
S
ince Paul’s return to Old Trafford, his return has been surrounded by continuous speculation about his form, attitude, and future. Leaving under unfavourable terms for the club left a bad taste in the fans’ mouths and management at the club due to the high expectations from Paul due to enormous talent. His move to Juventus did wonders for Paul as he came of age and played blinding games and scored several goals including some stunners.
constant rumours of ill-discipline behaviour seemed to seep out to the media and the scouse brigade on Sky Sports had a field day, who even on a bad pundit day seemed to always find fault with Paul and blame him for one thing or another. Some criticism was justified as fans would expect better from him both off and on the field. A lot believe that football is
Once Mourinho left the club and was replaced by Ole, the team’s playing pattern changed and Pogba’s form improved drastically. One factor could be the changed of management and playing position. During Ole’s fantastic start, Pogba’s form was heralded, and fans were starting to see some form of consistency from him and hopefully lasting a stretch of games. Having Ole managing him as a youth could have been a factor of having a manager that understood his playing style and behaviour. The club has been in transition since Sir Alex left and Pogba was seen as one of the pieces to bring back success to the club. The club paid ransom for him due to the belief in his talents. Ole’s continuous upheaval of the club’s playing
While some resented Paul for carrying out such a move to Juventus and returning for a world record fee, other would understand that such a move was for his own benefit. Upon his return, the marketing machine at Old Trafford pumped up his return, and with such a fee comes the undisputed expectation of performing to the highest levels on a consistent basis, week in and week out. During Paul’s first season, I believe he had a good season having several good performances, contributing to a number of goals and assists. I personally believe that the fact Zlatan was in the team, demanding performances of the highest standards, did not allow him to slack. During his second season he started to blow hot and cold, due to lack of form, injuries and also the beginning of the internal war with Mourinho which didn’t aid the situation and
VOL 48 - ISSUE 2 - MARCH 2021
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