Paul Pogba Suffers A Long Term Injury: Assessing All Tactical Options.

Pogba Is Out For A Long Spell.

 Manchester United have been in top form lately. Or as they say, Jose Mourinho’s red bus is driving in fifth gear. Yes, that’s right! United have won five out of their last six Premier League clashes, both Champion’s League fixtures and steered their way to the next round in the Carabao Cup. Given the contributions of Lukaku, Matic, Mkhitarayan and Pogba, who have been splendid this season, it will be a sin not to mention the other unsung players who haven’t got the deserved praise and helped the team in numerous occasions, as United are one team and all of them deserve credit. But the form came at the cost of few players, that is the injured players, Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Michael Carrick.

But today, the player concerned is Pogba. He got injured in the starting minutes of the Champion’s League opener against Basel, the game in which he was made captain. He limped off the pitch and it was stated as a hamstring issue which ruled him out for a month, United fans thought that he won’t be that missed, having been the talisman of the team this season. The story took a shocking turn to the worse, as Jose stated in the pre-match press conference against Crystal Palace that it is a long-term injury, like Zlatan and Rojo. Zlatan and Rojo are expected to make a return in November and January respectively. So, it could very well mean that we won’t see a classy Frenchman, with a jolly mood and a swagger for a good chunk of time. But, according to inside sources, Pogba could make a return in mid-November or later, but Mourinho describing it as ‘long-term’ surely raises eyebrows and concerns as United have important matches and Pogba could miss the remainder of the Champion’s League group stages. Let’s assess all options on how could United’s tactics change without Pogba.

1.       

A Two-Man Midfield:

It is obvious that with Pogba absent, United will have to opt for a two-man engine room mainly comprising of Herrera and Matic. Pogba this season, was mainly deployed as a central midfielder alongside Matic, or sometimes as an attacking midfielder. Matic allowed him to move forward. But with him out, Ander Herrera will be now alongside Matic, with a specific role of holding the opposition off and supplying Mkhitarayan and Mata. Herrera, United’s Player of The Year last season, will be a key component with an objective supplying precision passes, interceptions and letting the attackers do the attacking. Basically, a role of a box-to-box midfielder. Fellaini will be another option. Once fit, Jose will be raring to get him on the pitch and use his height and head as a valuable asset. But his speciality in the air would be great tactic, as deploying him forward in set pieces and finish those long balls will be crucial. Again, pairing him with Matic. The ideal formation would be 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3.

Herrera And Fellaini Should Step Up For Pogba.

2.       Change To A Three-Man Defence:

Due to lack of Pogba’s creativity and attacking ability, Mourinho could tweak the formation to a three-man central defence along with wingbacks to increase attacking ability and support. United have Valencia, Young, Blind and Shaw and Darmian who are familiar to this system so it shouldn’t be a problem. The ideal formulae should be Valencia as a right wing back and Young as a left wing back. Both experienced players and former wingers transformed into full backs, but capable of playing anywhere in the backline and frontline. Herrera and Matic would remain as central midfielders with Mkhitarayan, Lukaku and Martial as the strike force. Juan Mata would have to be demoted to the bench. Formation: 3-4-3-1.

3.       Recalling Andreas Pereira:

This point is currently on every fans lip’s. Recall Pereira from loan, it’s the perfect opportunity for him. Mourinho once again shipped the Brazilian playmaker back to Spain, this time to Valencia. However, there is a clause stating that he can be recalled in January. With Pogba out, Jose could recall the young man and give him a chance in the Premier League. Andreas, can player as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or a winger if needed. Pogba’s skill and attacking ability wouldn’t be missed if he is recalled as he will add some Brazilian flair and samba to the side. However, United already face Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Matic and McTominay available so, it would be very likely that Jose let’s Andreas develop further. But still keeping all options open.

Andreas Pereira Could Be Recalled From Loan.

To conclude, Jose Mourinho has good options to go on without Pogba for a while, and the most convenient and safe option would be to simply let Herrera become the acting midfield general of the side with his great composure, leadership qualities and great intelligence by playing alongside Nemanja Matic and Fellaini as backup in a 4-2-3-1 formation and therefore, treating Pogba’s injury as if it never even happened.