Mark Lawrenson thinks Paul Pogba should start for Manchester United against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup this evening.
Writing for the BBC, the former Liverpool and Brighton defender posed the idea of Pogba returning to the starting XI for the first time since the beginning of November.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined for almost three months following a thigh injury he picked up while away with France.
Initially, the results seemed to indicate an eight-week layoff. Evidently, this wasn’t the case as the midfielder’s return date continued to be pushed back.
Pogba seems ready for action now, though, as he has returned to full-time training at Carrington. That has given Ralf Rangnick the chance to assess the Frenchman as the pair had been unable to work together.
Pick Paul to face Middlesbrough
United’s interim manager will take Pogba’s condition into consideration before chucking him straight into the firing line. Yet, some may argue there won’t be a better time to reintegrate him into the side than against Boro.
“It will be interesting to see what kind of team United boss Ralf Rangnick puts out – but it should be strong enough for them to get the job done. I don’t see any upsets here,” said Lawrenson.
“Paul Pogba is back from injury and available for the first time since Rangnick took charge. If Pogba is fit, I’d be tempted to start him and let him show (Rangnick) what he can do.”
Putting Pogba back together again
It’s actually hard to remember what Pogba can do, such has been the length of his absence. From what we remember, the United schoolboy is one of the most frustrating footballers to walk the earth.
He has the talent to be up there with the very best in the business, but few will put him in such a bracket because of an inconsistency in performances.
His four assists at home to Leeds United on the Premier League’s opening weekend have become a fading memory. However, Pogba can remind everyone of his undeniable ability at Old Trafford tonight.
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