POGBA’S REVIVAL

Pogba’s Revival by Daniel Cuschieri

Since 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.

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 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.

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

staff has helped the quality around him and helped him improve his form and the team’s revival. Whilst the team is still inexperienced in certain positions, Paul is one of the senior heads in the team which has practically won every footballing honour which is there to win.

Paul appears to have resettled since the comments from Raiola. Injuries are not helping him but as many should and will notice, Paul has been accustomed to disappearing during games, his good games standing out.

Fans are behind the team, and getting the best out of Paul will help the team in its quest to restore themselves as a top team. This year The manager’s continuous support for Paul is apparent and is central in the team’s plans for the long term. Whether Paul will be at the club for the coming years remains to seen as the continuous speculation will not go away. Paul is a major talent and having him at the club is a sign of intent for winning honours. He is viewed as a complete midfielder able to play in several positions. He is well appreciated and the club and the footballing world is aware if his talent, but consistency is what is being asked of him. He is still a human being which like everyone has his good and bad days. Strong indication shows that Paul is an individual who needs to feel loved and under this manager and playing staff, this is being affected and being shown in his attitude and also it in his performances, and an indicator is that he is smiling. One other factor is that Pogba became a father and like everything that comes with it, fatigue could have played a part. As his son grows, such changes to his personal life may have played a part in his upheaval.

Paul’s contract is up for renewal shortly. Hopefully he will renew and be part of the quest for regaining top spot in England and a becoming a major force in Europe once again. Next season, everyone will be anticipating a strong challenge for the title and a strong run in Europe.

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