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Paul Pogba has been an enigma since his return to Old Trafford in 2016. Yet, the sense has always been that the Frenchman’s true potential and United’s are linked; unlock one and you unlock the other.
In the 5-1 victory over Leeds United on Saturday he demonstrated a devastating range of passing. There was a one-touch lob to Bruno Fernandes for United’s opener, the pinpoint pass from his own half for Mason Greenwood to restore the lead, another through-ball to Fernandes on the ground, and then a pass across the penalty area for Fred to score number five.
In all he created five chances for United and four goals with a pass completion rate of 76%. What is also of note is the sheer variety of passing he offered, from deep and the final third, shifting the play, with long passes and short.
But the most impressive statistic is that in just one match Pogba provided only one assist fewer than in the whole of the 2021/21 Premier League. This following an impressive Euro 2020 performance in which Pogba scored once, created another goal and completed 88% of his passes. If this form continues and his teammates can continue to work on his wavelength then Pogba will be a devastating linchpin to United’s attack. He may even get a compliment from Graeme Souness.