Why Paul Pogba shines for France, but looks different for Manchester United

Paul Pogba-Manchester United

The 27-year-old has been brilliant in the international break.

Paul Pogba has been brimming with confidence following his brilliant display with the France national team.

The French midfielder, who is currently on international duty, stood out in the Nations League game against Portugal on Sunday although the game ended in a draw. He also featured in last week’s friendlies against Ukraine.

Pogba has returned to the international scene after one and a half years due to injury issues. He also missed last month’s Nations League fixture after testing positive for Coronavirus.

Manchester United

Elsewhere at Old Trafford, the 27-year-old has been questioned over his form of late as many feel he is no longer the player he used to be.

That said, he was perhaps the best player of United in an otherwise lacklustre 2018/19 season, which saw them go trophyless in the end. Nonetheless, Pogba’s return to form was a huge boost for the manager and the fans.

However, Ankle injuries plagued his progress last season as he was limited to only 16 appearances in the Premier League, making his return only in the latter half of the season. 

Manchester managed to propel themselves to the third position after some inspirational performance from Bruno Fernandez at the end of Premier League last season. After arrival of Donny van der Beek, Pogba could even struggle to get into first eleven.

France National Team

But for France, it’s different Paul Pogba altogether. The former Juventus star sported his real self in the Nations League fixture against Portugal. Pogba slowly established his reign as the game wore on and even got the approval from the manager Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps said,

“I thought he was good against Portugal, even better in the second half, in regards of his rhythm, his size,”.
“I got a good Paul back. He is not always here to score or give assists. He has a big activity, and technically he was good, too.”

Didier Deschamps happens to get best out of Pogba every time he manages the 27-year-old. The question remains what does he do differently than Ole Gunnar Solskjær or Jose Mourinho!!!

There may be many answers to those questions, but time is running out for current manager and Ole Gunnar Solskjær has to get best out of his team sooner than later.

So Man United would be hoping for the French World Cup winner to remain in the same shape as they will face Newcastle United in the Premier League this week.

Earlier, Pogba divulged his desire to play for La Liga champions Real Madrid one day, and talked about the lack of progress in his contract talks.

The incidents got wide coverage, as the French midfielder failed to impress in Premier League earlier, when Manchester United was routed6-1 by Tottenham Hotspur.