The one player each top 6 Premier League club can't afford to lose to injury

Manchester United

Paul Pogba

It is no coincidence that Manchester United’s performances since the beginning of the season have declined since Paul Pogba sustained a hamstring injury.

Though the player who was once the world’s most expensive, as the Red Devils bought him back from Juventus in 2016, was the subject of criticism last term, his absence has been notable 12 months on.

Those players around him who were previously excelling have suddenly stopped. Romelu Lukaku has hit a goal drought since the Frenchman was sidelined, while the performances of Nemanja Matic have not been quite so assured.

Suddenly, Jose Mourinho’s decision to spend quite so big on the holding midfielder seems entirely justified.

He may not have the explosivity and match-defining qualities that he showed at times with Juve, yet his role in the team has changed, although since the arrival of Matic he has been freer to express himself as an attacking presence and this has, no doubt, aided his performances.

This was why Mourinho was so furious when he picked up his latest hamstring injury, with the manager hitting out at the lack of care he perceived his player took over his body.

His latest absence has been universally lamented, with club legends Paul Scholes and Bryan Robson notably commenting on how much the midfielder is being missed.

Hopeful of being fit for Sunday’s match against Chelsea, Pogba’s return will be most welcome.