Reds’ midfielder plans hanging on Pogba’s decision
IT seems like a new transfer dilemma emerges every week at United, usually in reaction to the most recent result.
The first week of the international break has been no different, with plenty of supporters now crying out for midfield reinforcement following the FA Cup exit at Leicester.
Whether or not it is a rash reaction is almost beside the point. United’s midfield set-up still has a question mark next to it, with an axis of Fred and Scott McTominay which polarises fan opinion.
The ‘McFred’ duo is a safe one, a pairing which gives you guaranteed work rate and mobility – but will never give you the defensive solidity nor creativity of other specialist sides.
It’s important to note on some occasions it is a partnership which works wonders and helps to elevate the pressures placed on a porous defence behind.
However on other occasions – like Leicester – the lack of a recognised defensive midfielder can prove costly.
It’s easy enough to say United should go out and buy their own specialist at the end of the season but, with priorities elsewhere, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in a bit of a difficult situation with how he handles it.
Nemanja Matic is still the only natural defensive option in the squad, but age is really beginning to catch up with him and expose the mobility issues he has.
Juxtaposed with the balance of Leicester’s midfield set-up, there is a clear need for a new longterm Matic replacement, but until Paul Pogba’s future is resolved it is an investment they simply can’t afford to make.
With the Frenchman yet to give a definitive answer on his future plans as he approaches his final year at United, Solskjaer is being made to wait before he can pursue any fresh investment in midfield.
If Pogba were to stay, then United would have a simple decision of adding a new defensive midfielder to their squad.
But if the 27-year-old leaves then that priority might be on adding another box-to-box option instead.
Such a purchase would also depend on Donny van de Beek’s future role, with much debate over whether or not he is the long-term alternative to Pogba or whether he would be better suited to a more dynamic defensive pivot.
Add into the equation a possible first-team role for James Garner once he gets a chance to shine in pre-season and the hopes of signing a new defensive midfielder dwindle once again.
A new striker and centreback have to be the two main priorities over the next transfer windows and if Pogba does leave, then a new midfielder won’t be far behind on Solskjaer’s ever-growing list.
But until he gives United a firm answer on his own future, the dream of adding a new defensive anchor has to remain on hold.