Since making his record breaking £89 million switch from Juventus to Manchester United in the summer of 2016, Paul Pogba has come under a large amount of scrutiny, with every performance constantly linked with his price tag and whether he was worth the then world record fee United shelled out for him.
Of course, Pogba was doomed to this sort of criticism the moment he arrived back at Old Trafford. He had been 'Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest mistake' when he was tearing up Serie A with Juventus, establishing himself as one of the finest young players in world football while United cried out for a world class midfielder.
Then, upon his return to Old Trafford, when Pogba wasn't dictating every game and pinging 30-yard screamers into the top corner every week, the 'fraud' and 'overrated' comments began to flood social media.
Advert
Yet this season has proved how much the Frenchman is needed by Jose Mourinho, with United looking a far superior team with him in the starting XI.
Pogba has been under intense scrutiny since his return to Old Trafford last season, but the Frenchman has proved himself to be one of Jose Mourinho's most important players. Images: PA
Advert
Pogba started his second season back in England in imperious form, significantly boosted by the addition of Nemanja Matic to the Red Devils' squad, allowing the France international to roam further forward and worry less about defensive responsibilities.
However, after an impressive start to the season, Pogba was then hamstrung by injury, leaving him on the sidelines for two months. United still recorded a few emphatic victories in his absence, but also suffered defeats against Huddersfield Town and Chelsea in the Premier League, allowing Manchester City to pull eight points clear in the title race.
Last Saturday, during Pogba's return to the first team, United were once again dominant, despite an early setback against Newcastle United, beating the Magpies 4-1 with Pogba turning in another dominant performance which he capped with a goal and an assist.
And his form this season has caught the eye of United legend Eric Cantona, who has compared the former Juventus man to Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.
Advert
In an interview with United fan channel Full Time Devils, Cantona said, "I think he is a very creative player and every time you have a good player injured, you suffer.
"He is as important [for United] as Modric is for Real.
Advert
"When Modric is injured, it is not the same team and you can see in the last five or six years, every time he is injured, the team is not the same.
"Pogba is the brain of the team and Modric is the brain of Real Madrid."
Modric is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. Image: PA
Advert
During his five years with Real, Modric has established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, proving to be a key figure in Los Blancos' three recent Champions League triumphs and last season's La Liga title victory.
But is Pogba of the same importance to United that the Croatian is to Real?
Have your say in the comments section below and on our Facebook page.
(H/T Metro)
Topics: Paul Pogba, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Eric Cantona, Luka Modric