27 Apr 2020 22:27:20
Hi fellas, during the lockdown I've been watching loads of old games.
One thing that sticks out a mile, Paul Pogba isn't as bad as 90% of people would have you believe. In fact, he as been rather good, just saying.

1.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 08:39:27
You mean there's the distinct possibility that people are letting personal animus and a negative media perception get in the way of objectively viewing his qualities as a player?

2.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 09:19:42
Dsg its surprising what a negative media perception can do.

3.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 10:10:25
Cracking player, can do most things that others can not but frustrating to watch him as he doesn't always put 100 percent in.

Also, doesn't want to be here though so what's the point?

4.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 10:18:13
I think the reason he gets such attention is because he plays within himself. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the world - he has a range of passing, can shoot, tackle, strong and can drive at defences.

The problem is he doesn't bother to put the effort in where it matters, like tracking back or putting himself about. That's why he has always done better with another midfielder or two to do the running around him.

On his day, he can be fantastic and I think that's why fans get upset with him - they don't see it enough.

But I do agree that he has been nowhere near the worst player over the past few years and is singled out unfairly sometimes.

5.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 11:06:21
It doesn't matter if he is good or not. The fact is that he doesn't want to be here and wants to leave so we should just get rid of a unhappy player. It has been too long trying to convince him to stay and it hasn't worked so we should sell him.

{Ed004's Note - Its mad what an intense negative media campaign can do to a players image. After having missed the majority of the season he is still probably the most talked about player at the club based on the vendettas of many media personalities. I dont even have to name them and people will instantly know who I am referring to (maybe says it all)

I agree though with Singh. He doesn't want to be here, maybe it was his longterm plan overall to move on after a few years, maybe he is sick of the unfair media criticism and abuse from his own fans or maybe he just wants to compete at the highest level. Either way I still think he is our best player and if he doesn't leave we would have a stronger side for it. Especially if we added a strong right sided player.

Though the common misconception of his unprofessional attitude is frustrating. When he plays he frequently ranked very highly in our squad for ground covered, tackles, interceptions etc. He was never intended to be the holding midfielder (Matic was signed for it and we tried to get Dier before that). He was always meant to have a role that allowed him to break forward from midfield. Problem with Pogba was that he was expected to score, assist, run a game and secure us defensively. Not sure any midfielder would have succeeded under them expectations here.}

6.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 14:21:45
Just to add; I think it will be really interesting if we ever see Fernandes and Pogba playing together. I think the contrast in effort will be apparent and could spur Pogba to up his game.

I think they would need a holding midfielder to get the best out of them together.

7.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 13:36:18
Spot on as usual Ed004!

{Ed004's Note - I just needed a rant. Quarantine hitting me a bit today haha}

8.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 13:46:19
Ed04 I agree with a lot of that I also think that people have an unrealistic expectation of a player, and then get frustrated when a player doesn't live up to their expectations.

A lot of talk on the site about sms but he really isn't the player a few describe ( decent player ) but honestly the same people who want him would want rid by xmass.

{Ed004's Note - The only player we have been linked with who is potentially an upgrade on Pogba is Saul. Although he is a very different kind of player}

9.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 14:03:04
Come on ed, he, s by far our worst signing because he doesn't score a hattrick every game and throw in 10 goal saving tackles aswell. He should be doing at least that because he's our record signing.

{Ed004's Note - Agreed. I would love to see him in a fully functioning side. A capable holding midfielder behind him with legs and Sancho on the right. Would be an incredibly exciting side}

10.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 14:15:55
Except Ed004 we've seen all of that (score, assist, run a game and secure us defensively) from Bruno as soon as he arrived.

What's struck me about Fernandes is how much closing down and tracking back he does as well as the skilful creative play. It puts into contrast just how lacking in intensity Pogba is and I think that is Pogba's main problem as a footballer.

{Ed004's Note - I agree there has been times where Pogba has lacked a bit of effort but it is grossly overexaggerated. I garuntee you that there's been times this season where Bruno has let a runner run off him but there's no narrative yet created for Bruno. Another player I think who gets it quite tough is Ozil. He's always criticised for being lazy but is always top 3 for ground covered for Arsenal when I tune in. He just has a languid style of play. My criticism of Ozil is he can't seem to control a top game (Yaya could also be used here).}

11.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 16:05:49
Shappy thinks he's the worst singing we've ever made.

{Ed004's Note - Id have a whole host in their ahead of him such as Sanchez, Di Maria etc}

12.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 16:12:52
As a player, Pogba has all the talent to be the best.
Maybe he s not the best because we didn't "offer him the right platform". (Still he hasn't been perfect either) .
However there s nothing which can justify letting Raiola blabbering around.
It s quite simple, he s under agreement with us and if he wants out, he should put in a transfer request.
If not the least he can do is tell his fat arsed agent to shut up.

13.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 18:00:20
Nowhere near our worst signing.
Sanchez di maria can fight that one out imo.
Pogba is a super football player with all the talent most only dream about but he has not been a great success and has been clear about his desire to leave.

Saul is one of the standout midfielders as someone said above in a different mould sms imo also a stand out player more in the pogba style so a risk about his ability to adapt to epl pace. Seen lots of him this year and he is a player i enjoy watching a lot.
If pogba leaves i'm not bothered if he stays he will need to imorove lots of aspects of his game and keep his mouth shut to win over those that are disenchanted with him and some of his ways.
Bottom line is nobody put up enough cash but his value is dropping so its either sign him to a contract on same or worse terms or sell him he does not warrant a pay rise imo.

14.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 18:32:59
Totally agree with you ed and I think for the sake of both parties he should leave unless he is going to stop winging and play with his heart for us then i'd keep him otherwise we should sell him.

15.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 19:08:51
Sms more like a young matic, looked good a couple of years ago. Lacks pace and everything seems to be in the air .
Hits a nice long pass but gets a lot of time in Italy. Pace is a real issue imo . Decent in the same way natic was .

16.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 19:39:44
Except he plays in a totally different position and is an attacking midfield player regular scorer. Nothing like matic in his style of play or in terms of his positional play. His touch his vision and ability to bring others into play are all top class.
Quicker than scholes too but obviously not quite as good yet but he is only 24. Hard to know if he would flourish or flounder in the epl his build is ideal but some just aren't cut out for it.

17.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 21:01:04
Ken have you seen him play?
1 he plays a number of positions in cm from the 10 to the 6.
2 he isn't 24.
3 he really isn't quicker than scholes.
4. He is a bit like matic at the same age .
5. Not quite as good as scholes yet? You must be having a laugh .

He had a really good season a few year back when united and a few others looked at him, talking big money at the time .
Had a poor World Cup and not been great since .
Attacking cm? Long High balls into him looks better a bit deeper imo can get on the ball and brings his passing in to play .
Really slow tho might leave lazio fans have turned on him a bit .
Nothing like pogba.

18.) 28 Apr 2020
28 Apr 2020 21:58:33
I would love to see a midfield with Pogba and Fernandes ahead of a HM and a mobile front 3 in front of them.
I am not sure it will happen and if Pogba does not want to be here let's move on. But can't help but feel like it has the potential to really put us in contention.

19.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 00:24:01
i do not get the pogba hype. at juventus he had great players around him. which made him look better. the same with france. a great player stands out no matter what team he plays in and pogba does not simple.

20.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 11:44:21
Jred sorry he is 25 is quicker than scholes I've watched him lot. Nothing like matic very like pogba in his game.
To be fair your assessment of bruno was scathing when i supported his signing but you see different things in players to me jred you saw no need for another forgien signing from a weak league. You like martial i'd rather watch paint dry than look at him so its just opinions. We look at the game very differently .

21.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 11:57:08
Ken
I said at the time I don't watch a lot of if any Portuguese footy .
Caught out again pal🤣🤣, you really should watch a bit of SMS instead of just reading about him.

22.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 12:14:42
Feel free to repost my scathing assessment of bruno . I think your making it up. Look forward to it 🤣
I did say it was either him or maddison imo as I didn't and don't see both of them in the same team .

23.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 14:29:01
I watched him a lot this season. I've said that 3 times now in this thread. You were scathing look it up yourself.

24.) 29 Apr 2020
29 Apr 2020 14:35:38
ken 🤣🤣. Ok.