Paul Pogba. By Mayur Joshi

The Curious Case of Paul Pogba:

With news that Chelsea have added their name to a growing list of suitor, I thought it may be an appropriate time to write something about our reserve team star. The number of clubs reportedly looking at Pogba has grown in recent weeks amid speculation that he has not signed a new contract; some sections of the news even suggesting that he has not been offered a new contract.

Born in March 1993, Pogba is still only 18 years old (though we are nearing his 19th birthday) and has featured sparingly in the first team. His displays at reserve team level have resulted in calls for him to be included in first team activities more often, in particular by the fans. When coupled with long term absences due to injury and illness of Fletcher & Anderson his first team appearances should have been more frequent, shouldn't they? Surely a midfield of Park & Rafael isn't better than throwing the youngster into the first team mix?

In my opinion Fergie has played it exactly right. Despite his excellent displays at reserve levels Pogba is only just maturing into a player ready for first team football. He is a tall, rangy dynamic footballer with immense skill and excellent technique. Some have compared him to Vieira but if you have seen him play you will know he is more like a Lampard, Gerrard, or Scholes of old. Someone who has a high work rate, excellent technique and a penchant for attacking play. He would certainly do his fair share of defensive work but he would not be considered a defensive midfielder at all. Much like Danny Welbeck at his age, his physicality has been lacking although he seems to be developing very well in that department. 

When you look at United's and, in particular, Fergie's record of bringing young footballers through it's hard to argue against the great man's judgement and I would be inclined to agree with him on this front as well. At the age o 18, Pogba has a fair amount to learn about being a Manchester United player and I'm sure that is why he hasn't featured more.

Looking at our squad over the years we have had some excellent players come through the ranks and serve the club well. The likes of Beckham, Scholes, Gary & Phil Neville, Butt, O'Shea, Wes Brown and now Welbeck & Cleverley have all broken into the first team and established themselves as important players (to different extents). What do they all have in common which is different to Ryan Giggs? They all broke into the first team squad at around 20 years of age, some after loan deals and most were not first team regulars until around 21-22 years old. The exception is Ryan Giggs, a true club legend with 12 premier league titles and 2 Champions league titles to his name. He is unique in his talent and desire to win things. The rest of them required the extra years to develop their games in a physcal sense. This is particularly obvious with the Welbeck and Cleverley.

That's where I think fans need to look to when wondering why Pogba hasn't played more games. In essence, he's still a kid. 18 years old is very young to be playing in the heart of Manchester United's midfield and he is only just starting to mature physically into the type of player who can handle premiership football. The good thing is he's well grounded, articulate and laid back. He wants to play for United and will be here next season to forge a partnership alongside Cleverley. 

The key to his future is patience, from both himself and the fans. Wait until you get your chance and take it. I'm sure Pogba will do that.