Manchester United are finding the right mentality without Paul Pogba

Manchester United finally got back to winning ways with a 4-1 win against Fulham and once again showed that they are a much better side without their most expensive player on the pitch.

Reportedly called “a virus” by his manager after last weekend’s embarrassing draw against Southampton, Pogba dropped out of the starting XI in the midweek game against Arsenal. Without the Frenchman, the Red Devils put in a display with great heart, fight and effort, something that has been lacking in recent months. And when Pogba came on, Manchester United returned to their usual sluggish play, and Arsenal was nearly able to turn one point into three.

United put in their best performance of the season today as they registered a rampant 4-1 win over Fulham, with once again Pogba cutting a frustrated figure on the bench. Jose Mourinho called for his side to play with more simplicity and determination on Wednesday and he got the perfect response from his side.

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Manchester United looked much sharper despite missing the former Juventus man there was a real tenacity and desire in their attacking play. They moved the ball much more quickly and had the right attitude, with four different players getting on the scoresheet. And their performance was rewarded with their best result of the season, albeit against a woeful Fulham side.

Pogba has often been accused of not having the right attitude and trying to showboat when easier and simpler options are available, especially in games against teams from the bottom half of the table. He often slows United’s game down with these antics or just straight up loses the ball. This has cost United several times already this season.

There is no denying that Pogba is United’s most talented player when he is on his game. But that simply doesn’t happen often enough. You can count the number of times Pogba has put in world-class performances since moving back to United in 2016 on one hand. Add his bemusing comments at the start to the situation, and it makes you wonder whether Pogba’s head really is at United.

Only Paul Pogba knows whether he is truly committed to Manchester United’s cause or not. And if he is, he faces a career-defining period in the coming months. If Pogba puts his head down and responds to adversity by letting his football do the talking, he will walk back into the United team before long. Otherwise, it might be Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward might have a big decision on their hands come to the end of the season.