How Paul Pogba return for Manchester United boosts Ralf Rangnick's tactical options

19.01.2022 - 16:24 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Paul Pogba has returned to first-team training at Manchester United after spending around two months on the treatment table with an injury. He will become an option for Ralf Rangnick in the coming days, and the German has already moved to praise the ability of the Frenchman.

Speaking after witnessing the 28-year-old's return behind the scenes, Rangnick said: “What you can see from the very first day in training yesterday is that he’s present, physically and mentally. What I saw in training was very promising for the future."

Rangnick hasn't yet settled upon a fixed system at United since taking charge, but Pogba could influence his plans at Old Trafford- moving forward. His presence opens up a number of different tactical options for the United boss to explore between now and the end of the campaign.

4-2-2-2 has been Rangnick's most used formation so far. The German seems to have moved away from the system recently after a run of poor results but if he wants to restore it, Pogba could realistically be deployed in one of two roles.

First, he could prosper as United's left-sided no.10 between the team's two central midfielders and two strikers, as he's shown to be comfortable when operating in those spaces when afforded a degree of creative freedom.

He could also be fielded as a central midfielder within the confines of 4-2-2-2. It is reasonable to suggest that he's not particularly defensive-minded which could be problematic, but he's capable of offering progression up the field with his passing range unlike some of his teammates.

Another option for Rangnick could be 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield. The Reds' boss has used a diamond on occasion throughout his career, including against Aston Villa in the team's recent FA

Tags: Ralf Rangnick career Progressive Parke Manchester Germany

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