“He can use all of his qualities” – Kevin Campbell claims Manchester United man will benefit after change in system

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell recently claimed that Paul Pogba could benefit hugely from a switch to a 4-3-3 formation at Manchester United.

Manager Ralf Rangnick opted for a 4-2-2-2 formation in his earlier matches that has led to defensive improvement. However, this formation hasn't brought the best out of United’s attacking talents.

Rangnick switched to a 4-3-3 against Aston Villa and stuck to it against Brentford. Against Villa, Fred and Bruno Fernandes played in front of Nemanja Matic with Scott McTominay replacing the Serb against Brentford. The move allowed United to gain a 2-0 advantage against Aston Villa before Philippe Coutinho’s introduction in the game led to a defensive collapse.

Paul Pogba has recently returned to training at Manchester United. According to Kevin Campbell, the 4-3-3 formation will allow the Frenchman to play in his preferred position. Campbell said:

“Well, the 4-2-2-2 system didn’t work. You could tell that the players weren’t used to it. It takes time to change. One thing we do know is that, in a 4-3-3 system, Paul Pogba can play in his favorite position. He is suited to playing as the left of a midfield three. That is where he has got the best out of his career."

He added:

"That is is where he shone for Juventus. He’s a phenomenal player when he’s in that role. He can use all of his qualities. There is no point putting square pegs in round holes. Put round pegs in round holes and devise a system that suits the players.”

Pogba got off to a blistering start to the 2021-22 season, registering an incredible four assists in United's first game against Leeds. He followed up by providing another one against Southampton and two against Newcastle before his performance levels dropped. He was notably sent off in a crunch match against arch rivals Liverpool.

Can Ralf Rangnick get the best out of Paul Pogba at Manchester United?

Getting the best out of the mercurial Paul Pogba has been a constant problem that multiple managers have failed to solve. As Campbell pointed out, Paul Pogba is at his best on the left of a midfield three. He can perform exceptionally well in an attacking midfield role or an attacking role where his team does not depend upon him defensively.

With Fernandes establishing himself as a midfield stalwart, the best-case scenario for Manchester United does appear to be a midfield three. Pogba and Fernandes can both play a more attacking role in this formation.

Scott McTominay has in recent weeks grown into the central-defensive midfield position. Against Brentford, McTominay produced arguably his most dominant performance in a Manchester United jersey till date.

McTominay's deep runs from midfield and overall work rate have been on show for all to see. He finally looks to be growing into the player Manchester United fans have been aching for since he broke through the first team.

The midfield trio of Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba does look to be the best way forward. This should allow United to control games better in the coming months.