Jose Mourinho needs to unlock Paul Pogba’s full potential

Paul Pogba had an amazing World Cup performance that led France to the title. His performances are different under Mourinho, despite his efforts with France.

Manchester United was initially Pogba’s home. He was a youth prospect that rose through the ranks and went on to make only 3 appearances in the 2011/2012 season. The club made the decision to sell him to Juventus to promote his development.

Juventus sold Pogba to Manchester United for a then-world record fee of €105 million in 2016. His high transfer price placed heavy expectations upon him. Many feel he hasn’t lived up to them in the past two seasons.

After all, there’s a reason why he is considered a top midfielder in the world. His pace, power, and strength are astonishing on the pitch. Not many players are able to keep up with him on the ball or even win it back.

Additionally, his passing range,dribbling ability, and shooting range excel in every match he plays. For someone who is 6’3”, his ability to efficiently get past players and add the flair he does to his game is even more remarkable.

His talent has been evident during the World Cup. He completed 245/296 passes successfully. He also covered 58.2 km through the 6 games he appeared in. Pogba’s goal in the final was the first outside the box goal since 1982.

He silenced his critics not only in the match but with his message after the game.

Conversely, with Manchester United, it’s almost like he’s a different player. Jose Mourinho seems to confine him to a system that doesn’t play to his strengths.

Mourinho plays very defensive football, many times his forwards are sitting deep within their own half. Even though Pogba can put in a defensive shift, that isn’t his strong suite.

With France and during his time with Juventus he was able to move forward with ease. Helping to string together attacks and even finish the play.

United traps his abilities in a cage. Mourinho should experiment by pushing him further forward into an attacking mid role or giving him more freedom as a box to box midfielder.

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Pogba is a top talent that many clubs would be happy to have. He’s still young and if United can tap into his potential they can very will many titles in the coming years. They will become a team to fear again.

Do you think Pogba is used correctly by Mourinho?