Speculation over the future of Paul Pogba continues to circulate around Old Trafford, but there is still a belief that he is a prized asset at Manchester United.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to decide whether he will put pen to paper on a new deal or move elsewhere.
Since returning to United from Juventus, Pogba has struggled for consistency in the Premier League and has come under fire for that exact reason.
When he’s at his best, the 28-year-old is one of the stars of the Premier League, but those times are far too scarce.
Towards the back end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s tenure, Pogba was deployed as a left-winger rather than as a central midfielder.
Although he didn’t look out of position in the newfound role, Ralf Rangnick doesn’t agree that it sees the France international to best effect.
He said: “What I’ve seen so far, with regard to his physique, his physical presence, the technical assets he has, I think his best position is a central midfield position. I don’t see him that much as a winger.
“By saying that, I wouldn’t say he cannot at all play that position. But we have quite a few players for the winger position right now. I see his best possible position as central midfield, if it’s a no.6 or an 8, I have to see. I haven’t seen him play so far. If you ask me right now, probably the no.8 position."
But Rangnick isn’t the only one who believes that Pogba is a top-quality midfielder. The former Red Devils star Gary Neville spoke about the 2018 World Cup winner.
Speaking on his official podcast in 2020, the Sky Sports pundit said: “There’s no doubt that a committed Paul Pogba to Manchester United can be a great player, his assists, his goals, are good. They’ve been very good in the last couple of seasons.
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“He’s up there with some of the very best in his position in Europe. It’s just the case of settling down.”
Neville’s final comment hinted that the former England international may have had a sneaky suspicion that it might prove difficult to secure Pogba for years to come.
Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been credited with holding an interest in the midfielder, with the latter making an approach before the start of the season.
Pogba is set to return from injury on Friday night following over 90 days on the sidelines, and some United feel that he should not be played in protest to the player refusing to sign a new deal.
However, Rangnick has revealed that won’t be happening, saying: “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 of 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.”
