Manchester United tactics: Who’s the right partner for Paul Pogba?
Who should start next to Paul Pogba at Manchester United?
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has quite an interesting tactical decision ahead of him. Which Manchester United star should join Paul Pogba in the club’s defensive midfield?
You’ll have to forgive other Premier League managers if they don’t have any sympathy for The Special One. The choice of whom to partner with Pogba is challenging, but it’s an embarrassment of riches for the United manager. Most of his peers would love to be faced with such a choice.
As I see it, Mourinho has three realistic options to start next to Pogba on a consistent basis. He’ll either go with Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin. There is the chance that Mourinho will buy another star to pair with Pogba, but nothing appears imminent on that front. As such, we’ll evaluate from the three current options on the squad.
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Ander Herrera
I’ve been pretty clear that I don’t rate Herrera all that highly. The 27-year-old Spaniard is a jack of all trades, but master of none. It’s unclear whether or not he’s better suited to play in the double-pivot, or in a more advanced role.
Frankly, Mourinho shouldn’t really care which position suits Herrera best. His only utility is as a substitute who can cover a variety of positions in a pinch. Slotting him into the starting 11 next to Pogba would only showcase how average a player he is. Look elsewhere for a partner for the Frenchman.
Marouane Fellaini
Several weeks ago, the idea that Fellaini would start alongside Pogba would have made even the most optimistic United fan chuckle. However, his recent play has caught Mourinho’s eye in a good way.
Mourinho even chastised United fans who aren’t supportive of Fellaini this week. The Special One called for his passionate fan base to show the towering midfielder some additional love. Time will tell if that comes true.
The trouble with starting Fellaini next to Pogba is the pressure that might put on the Frenchman. Fellaini wants to get forward and help in attack, but lacks the foot speed to recover if the ball is lost. His forays forward would force Pogba to hang back and protect the back four. That isn’t a move that would maximize Pogba’s talents.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Pogba shouldn’t even need to look outside his own nation to find his ideal defensive midfield partner. Schneiderlin is the right man to form a dominant partnership with his countryman for years to come.
Schneiderlin excels when he is asked to shoulder the defensive responsibility in the double-pivot, but isn’t asked to be a dynamic force moving forward. Playing with Pogba would be perfect for his game.
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Starting Schneiderlin would also free Pogba up to become an important part of United’s attack. He’ll feel the pressure of his big money move to contribute goals, so he needs a more defensive-minded partner. Schneiderlin would be happy to hang back and protect Pogba’s position when he bursts forward to break down the opposing defense.
Double down on Frenchmen
Jose Mourinho will ultimately settle on a defensive midfield partnership of Morgan Schneiderlin and Paul Pogba. Once he does, it will be a nightmare for United’s Premier League opponents.