Manchester United fans might be pleased with the world record transfer of Paul Pogba, but former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has questioned the merits of the high profile transfer, arguing that Chelsea player John Obi Mikel is a better holding midfielder.
Pogba who was used as a defensive midfielder in the Euros, did not have a huge impact for France and Parker in an exclusive interview with 888Sport questioned Pogba's transfer to Manchester United:
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“Can he be as good as Roy Keane or Bryan Robson? I wonder about him playing that midfield role.
“I worry about him making tackles and getting across to close players down because he is rangy. He doesn’t have quick feet and his game is about going to ground. That’s going to be a problem.
“In a holding position it would be a waste because he’s not a Makelele or even a John Obi Mikel because one thing Mikel can do is close people down. Pogba can get forward, and score goals, and pass the ball but in a high-tempo game he won’t be very good in a deep role.
Also read: Pogba trolled by Chelsea star John Obi Mikel as he welcomes him to the Premier League
“We saw that in the Euros where he looked lost for long periods of games when France didn’t have the ball. So when United don’t have the ball what’s he going to be like? Fellaini can’t do that either. Or Rooney. They can’t get around. Behind Ibrahimovic and Martial there will be changes because there is no way that midfield can last.”
Parker also reckoned that for the money Manchester United spent, they should have signed someone of Lionel Messi’s or Cristiano Ronaldo’s calibre:
“If United had signed Messi for a hundred million not many would have complained. The same with Ronaldo who scores goals and has a presence that scares teams.
“With Pogba you do wonder when you look at his style of play for Juventus can he play that way for Manchester United? Where is he going to play? It would be a waste if it’s in a holding role. If he plays behind Ibrahimovic that puts Wayne Rooney in doubt and Rooney has to play – not that he deserves a place but they have to play him. So it’s a difficult situation.”
Pogba made a move to Manchester United from Juventus in an eye-watering £93.8m deal. He missed the first game against Bournemouth due to suspension, but he is in line to make his first competitive appearance for Manchester United after his return in Friday night’s Premier League game against Southampton.
