5 take-aways from Manchester United's pre-season so far

#4 Paul Pogba deserves credit for his attitude and pre-season form

Paul Pogba ran the show from a deeper role in pre-season

Much was said about Paul Pogba before the start of the pre-season tour. A simple comment made in Japan had turned the Frenchman into the villain at Old Trafford.

Pogba had revealed that he wanted to leave Manchester United for a new challenge and Mino Raiola, his agent, left no stones unturned to get the message through.

Many expected Pogba to sulk through the pre-season tour; he had, after all, not turned up for pre-season training at Carrington. However, like a disciplined pupil, the Frenchman boarded the flight to Australia and decided to let his football do the talking.

It is easy to see why the Norwegian is adamant he wants to build a team around Pogba. The midfielder showed in pre-season he is a cut above the rest of the team. His passing and vision were already lauded last season, but he seems to have hit an even higher gear on the field in pre-season.

Pogba dominated possession, brought his teammates into play and showed outrageous skills and techniques with the ball at his feet. He started in a new deeper role, and was the heartbeat of the team - even showing sparks of his leadership qualities.

If there were fears that he might not give his all on the pitch at the start of the tour, those were brushed aside in the very first game. There was no lack of effort from the Frenchman; instead, his attitude was pitch perfect.

This is the Pogba that United fans and Solskjaer will want to see in the midfield in the upcoming season. His performance in pre-season might just be the trailer before the blockbuster ahead.