CHAMPS OF THE CHAMPS-ELYSEES
Flying for France but static for United, Jose must now finally channel Pogba’s talents and unlock the ability he showed in the World Cup
FRANCE’S World Cup heroes were welcomed home from Russia with love – by more than 300,000 people.
Fans waving flags and chanting “La Marseillaise” lined the Champs-Elysees in Paris to catch a glimpse of the world champions. President Emmanuel Macron told the team: “You’ve made us proud.”
PAUL POGBA described winning the World Cup as fulfilling a lifelong dream.
But the France star’s tournament performances may also be a game changer for his Manchester United career.
Suddenly the question is not why Pogba is under-performing at Old Trafford – but why Jose Mourinho is not getting the best out of him.
His rampaging runs, strength and spectacular goals made him one of the most complete box-tobox players at the World Cup.
But at United, the £89million midfielder was out in the cold, a victim of Mourinho’s management style and seemingly on his way out of English football. Now United fans can see for themselves the talent wasted by Mourinho’s rigid tactical approach.
The shackles must come off to allow Pogba to surge forward, break from midfield and become the force he has shown with such style this summer.
He must do the unglamorous defensive work as well, but now it will be a test of Mourinho’s management or serious questions will be asked.
Rio Ferdinand laid down the challenge to Mourinho now Pogba, 25, has proved himself on the biggest stage.
The United legend said: “He’s had a tough season in terms of the media and people within the game, but for this World Cup he was responsible and stood up to a lot of hard tests.
“It’s down to Jose now to unlock the Pogba we saw at this World Cup. He was the talisman of this team. When he played at Juventus he was affecting games, maybe United aren’t getting the ball to him in the right areas.
“At United, he’s not receiving a ball off a player like Andrea Pirlo, the balls aren’t getting to him quick enough in the right areas.
“He maybe isn’t being put in the right positions at the start of the game. And this is the manager’s job to figure it out.”
Pogba insisted the World Cup was the highlight of his career, but was careful not to criticise United.
He said: “This second star has been kindly placed on our shirt. I hope French people are proud.
“It’s a kid’s dream that comes true for me. Before the game I said we are 90 minutes from realising our dream, to be world champions, to make history, to make France vibrate, in a way that even the current French children and the future children of those children, they would know what we have done.”
France defender Adil Rami said Pogba has taken a major step forward. The Marseille star said: “Paul became a leader. He proved it to us. He showed he is a very technical player with a lot of talent.
“He battled in defence. Everyone loves players who do step overs, nutmegs, but Paul has become a leader. He showed us the way.
“Nutmegs are not what football is about. You have to sweat, donate your body to science. Technique is great, but mental strength is more important.”