When you acquire a player for a huge sum, managing to push away challenges from fellow top teams or even mightier teams to get your target, simply for the reason you feel that player is as worth every penny spent on him and more. When that player does not live up to expectations, minds worry, eyes shed tears and mouths run.
Such was the dilemma everyone in love with Manchester United found themselves in when Paul Pogba was brought in and left under the tutelage and canopy of Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho.
Under Mourinho, Pogba was quite a shadow of himself while at Juventus and why Manchester United forked out a whooping £89million to snatch him away from other teams seeking his services. There were reported rifts constantly between both player and coach as it was clear both their egos and aims were allowed to go ahead of them thereby affecting their relationship and apparently the team's display on the pitch.
The cloud over Pogba at United continued darkening when after his World Cup triumph in the summer, Mourinho reserved no single praise for his player. That was just the beginning of the end to their relationship as the rift continued after a draw to Wolves when it was reported the French man told his coach to be more attack minded. Another exchange of words were recorded on tape on the training ground between both player and coach as Pogba was stripped of his captaincy of the team not long after.
The atmosphere at the team as a result of their indifferences was totally negative and left the team in a weak state. It was clear one personality had to leave if the club had any intention of progressing or replicating the success that they were known for years back. The coach Jose Mourinho was the victim and had to leave the team with former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking over as interim manager.
Surprisingly or a little bit unsurprisingly, under Solskjaer, some section of the Man United faithful are cursing the day Mourinho came into their lives. They have won 11 of their last 13 games in all competitions losing just one. Their defense appears to be more cohesive, understanding and solid. Their attack more blistering, promising and inspiring. Every player that was deemed unworthy of the Manchester United shirt by former coach Mourinho is now a key cog of the Solskjaer rejuvenated team especially the French midfielder Paul Pogba
The understanding between Pogba, Martial, Lingard and Rashford has been a joy to watch as even a young and bad finisher in Rashford under Mourinho has found his goal scoring boots under Solskjaer. A much percentage of their resurgence should be down to the advanced role adopted by Pogba since the Norwegian replaced Mourinho as coach. The French midfielder has got the backing of Matic and Herrera and the freedom to apply his talent where very much needed, the attacking third and as well, do you notice Pogba is no longer spraying or absurdly applying stylishness to his hair since Mourinho left, like he was doing them to irk the Portuguese. He now appears a more composed, dedicated and confident player than he was when the season began and it is no fluke he has played a huge part in the resurgence of the team and players.
Last night's defeat against Chelsea was just one of the exhibition of Paul Pogba's talent. He assisted the first goal to Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera and scored the second. He has provided more assists (6) and has been more involved in goals scored (15) since Solskjaer's arrival in the premier league.
Since Christmas, he has shot more (42) and had more on target(23) than any premier league player, it is no surprise they have been scoring more goals than they did under Jose.
Pogba has shown the talent and leadership ability that was required of him when he was brought in ever since under Solskjaer and they will only hope the Frenchman continues on this vein if they are to continue their fight to remain in top four in the league come end of season and of course, win a trophy.
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