Ralf Rangnick did not refresh his Manchester United squad in the January transfer window, but he does have one new arrival on their away.
Paul Pogba is yet to perform a Gegenpress or compete in a single minute of Premier League football under the former RB Leipzig manager this season.
A nasty groin injury suffered on international duty with France ruled the World Cup winner out of the final weeks of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, and the opening matches of Rangnick’s.
The United boss confirmed Pogba will be in contention to start the Reds’ fourth round FA Cup clash with Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough side.
And his long-awaited return to the United set-up could not have come at a more important time for the club or for himself.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Do you think Manchester United should give Paul Pogba another contract? Comment below
For the first time under the German boss, United have finally generated some positive momentum with back-to-back victories against Brentford and West Ham.
Their last minute victory against the Hammers, saw them break into the Champions League places for the very first time under Rangnick.
In what was perhaps a fine stroke of luck, both West Ham and Arsenal failed to sign anybody of note in January, while Tottenham ’s transfer window was a litany of missed transfer targets.
Providing Pogba can rediscover his fitness and anything close to the form he exhibited at the start of the season, he could provide the very same spark, thrust, and energy which comes with a new signing.
With Bruno Fernandes operating further forward under Rangnick, United do not have another player within their arsenal who can split a defence in two with a single pass.
Even during their victories at Brentford and West Ham, everything was slow and predictable in front of the opposition defence.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Jesse Lingard, Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, and Cristiano Ronaldo are at their most dangerous when they are in-between the opposition defence and their goal.
But those players have not been able to get into those areas, as United have not transitioned the ball with anything close to the conviction and accuracy necessary.
However, Pogba may just be the player who can turn that particular screw.
It is very easy to forget that Pogba began the season with a blistering seven assists in four Premier League appearances.
Those assists often came from a first-time pass or a lofted ball in behind the defence – things which have been completely missing at Old Trafford.
Crucially, this period of time from now until the end of the season is Pogba’s last chance.
The last chance for a new contract, the last chance to permanently ingratiate himself within the hearts of United fans, and, depending on his current desires, the last chance to seal another move to a European giant.
If United are unable to negotiate a new contract with the 28-year-old, Pogba will shuffle his way out of Old Trafford on a free transfer.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain may have all expressed an interest in the past, but neither clubs are known for their patience.
An emotional return to Juventus has also been mentioned in the last six months, but Massimiliano Allegri’s side have strengthened their midfield with Manuel Locatelli and Denis Zakaria in the last six months.
Injury has perhaps seen Pogba drift out of the forefront of European football’s mind, but he has the ability and the experience to drag himself back onto centre-stage.
It truly is now or never for the Frenchman, and if he cannot rediscover the scintillating brilliance everybody knows he has, then Rangnick may as well hold the Old Trafford exit door open for him on his way out.
