Back in 2016, many Manchester United fans' expectations soared as the club re-signed Paul Pogba for what was then a club-record fee and ensured he became the most expensive United signing of all time.
But despite Pogba contributing to a couple of trophies since his return to Old Trafford, it’s fair to say the deal hasn’t quite lived up to the billing his £90m pricetag promised.
It would be excessive to suggest that Pogba has been poor throughout his second spell at the club but with a player of his talent, the bar is naturally set very high and rightly so. He was supposed to be the man to take United’s midfield to another level and be an instrumental part of the club returning back to the glory days. Well, it’s safe to say, that hasn’t been the case.
Fast forward five-and-a-half years and Pogba is in the final few months of his United contract. Despite it looking increasingly likely this will be his last season as a United player, reports have suggested that the Frenchman has been advised by the club to hold off on his decision to either stay or go until the new manager of United is announced.
Pogba will turn 29 next month and has entered a phase in his career where he will be on the lookout for his final ‘big’ contract. Whether that will be at Old Trafford or elsewhere remains to be seen. This however may be a big stumbling block if he’s to stay at the club. He would be expected to lobby for an increase in wages which would therefore see him become the biggest earner in Premier League history given the size of his current pay packet.
The midfielder has enjoyed huge success with both his international team and his form at his previous club Juventus ultimately convinced United to shell out to bring him home. But Pogba hasn’t been able to sustain a similarly consistent level at United.
With a new manager due to come in at the end of the season, this could be the ultimate deciding factor of where Pogba will play in the coming years during what should be his prime period at the top level.
Pogba’s return from a long-term injury is imminent, and interim boss Ralf Rangnick is set to make use of the Frenchman’s services despite the uncertainty around his future. From here until the end of the season, it’s imperative Pogba shows the finest form to date in a United shirt to convince those at the club that he still has something to offer beyond any short-term prospects.
United are in need of a boost themselves in the race for the top four and with the FA Cup and Champions League still to play for. It also represents Pogba's opportunity to either earn a contract or put himself in the shop window for any suitors.
"I’m happy to have him back in the squad," Rangnick told reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Middlesbrough. "His contract is expiring in the summer and if, in the end, he would like to stay or go somewhere else he has to show up."
"It’s in his personal interest that he plays at the highest level."
In his second spell at United, Pogba has won a League Cup and a Europa League trophy. For a player of his ability and price, this was not what the club nor the fanbase envisaged when he became a club-record purchase.
If the player was to play a big role in helping United end their four-season trophy drought, many fans would not be against the idea of keeping him or, failing that, wishing him the best in the next stage of his career.
Either way, Pogba will have one final shot at United redemption.
What do you think of Pogba? Follow our United on My Mind trends writer Anil Kandola on Twitter to join the debate and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
