Pogba best get used to life on the sideline

BEFORE anyone gets too carried away, it was Fulham United were up against. Bottom-of-the-table Fulham. Without a win in 11 Premier League games, losing seven in a row, Fulham. That said, Jose Mourinho’s side seem to have re-discovered their mojo. And watching it all was Paul Pogba. This was the third time in the last four games that Mourinho has decided United’s £89million record signing is better off on the bench – and it’s hard to disagree with him. United have looked a more fluid, cohesive unit without him against Arsenal and Fulham. Pogba lacks the defensive discipline that Mourinho demands, and slows the game down showcasing his tricks when quicker distribution is often required.

Mourinho says Pogba will play in what will most likely be a meaningless Champions League tie with Valencia in midweek, but it is clear Pogba has work to do before he is considered a firstchoice selection again.

‘He has to play with the same mentality as the team is playing,’ said Mourinho. So what does the future hold for United’s most expensive player?

When his desire to leave the club again and join Barcelona in January first emerged last summer, it seemed inconceivable United would let him go.

It is still highly unlikely that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would consider it, given the player’s importance to the United brand.

But with three weeks to go until the transfer window opens across Europe, the thought of a midfield without Pogba is no longer such a strange one. And he could be stuck at United, at least until the summer, when he could be working under a different manager and the situation could change again.

Until then, Pogba might have to get more accustomed to the bench.