Paul Pogba is most effective in a central midfield role according to Ralf Rangnick despite long running positional issues throughout his Manchester United career.
The Frenchman is poised to play under the interim boss for the first time.
Pogba has been out injured since the 2-2 draw in Atalanta more than two months ago, but is in contention to return in the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.
That means Rangnick must decide where to fit the World Cup winner into his starting XI.
Ever since his return in 2016 Pogba has struggled to settle in to a position with Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attempting to find solutions.
Rangnick though has a clear idea about how he plans to use the Frenchman.
Have Your Say! Where is Paul Pogba's best position? Tell us here.
He said: "I see his best possible position for me as one of the central midfield positions as either an 8 or 10 but the way we’re currently playing I’d rather see him in the 8 position but we’ll have to see. "
Pogba's lack of discipline defensively has been identified as an issue when he plays in a deeper role.
It remains to be seen whether, in Rangnick's system, he can effectively operate there having been such a huge success as a youngster with Juventus.
Speculation continues regarding the 28-year-old's future with his contract up in the summer.
Currently neither he nor the club are actively pushing for a new deal but Rangnick has placed the onus firmly on the player.
The German said: "It's up to him now his contract is expiring in the summer and if in the end, he would like to stay or go somewhere else he has to show up.
"It’s not only in the interest for us as a club but it’s in his personal interest that he plays and performs at the highest possible level in the next couple of weeks."
Rangnick is still searching for his best team at United having only been at the helm for a matter of months.
Pogba's obvious quality has long seen calls for a manager to build a team around the French star, but the current interim boss remained coy on that prospect.
He said: "Let’s wait and see I’ll be excited myself to see how Paul is doing and like all the other players for me he is now a new player and he can show me and the team and the fans and everyone in England how good and what high level he can play.
"Let’s just wait and see what he can show and what he can deliver."
