5 things we've learned about Manchester United so far this season 

3. No Pogba, no party for United

Paul Pogba has been United's midfield general whenever he has played this season.

A lot was made of Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United on a then world record transfer fee last season and those voices only grew louder as the Frenchman struggled to put in the kind of performances that would justify his price tag.

A year later, however, it’s a whole different story for the 24-year-old’s performances have been central to United’s fortunes so far this season. As far as the reason for the radical turnaround in Pogba’s fortunes is concerned, the addition of Nemanja Matic to United’s midfield has certainly given Pogba the license to roam all over the pitch and run the show for his team. And the former Juventus man has certainly made good use of his newfound freedom on the pitch as he has been United’s creator in chief this season, whenever he has played.

However, as is always the case, the true worth of what Pogba brings to the side was understood and appreciated like never before, only when he missed a few games, first through injury and then through suspension.

And not surprisingly, Pogba’s time on the sidelines coincided with a dip in United’s fortunes as the Red Devils suffered crushing defeats at the hands of Huddersfield Town and Chelsea respectively. But the most damaging result in Pogba’s absence was undoubtedly the derby defeat to Manchester City a fortnight back as the result effectively ended United’s title hopes once and for all. What’s more worrying was the fact that United never really looked like posing a threat to City’s goal at any stage of the derby which by itself underlines Pogba’s importance to this current United side.