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Europa League final is chance for Paul Pogba to underline his importance

No player has played more games or more minutes for Manchester United this season than Paul Pogba. In a campaign which has stretched 63 matches, the Frenchman, despite signing late in the summer window and suffering injury in recent weeks, has been present more than anyone else. For that, he deserves some sort of recognition.

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Not that Pogba will get if, of course. The 24-year-old could have scored in almost every single game this season and still be considered a flop, a waste of money. That’s what comes with being the most expensive player in the history of the sport. That’s what comes with being the main man at a club like Man United.

Indeed, Pogba has faced countless critics, some of whom have legitimate gripes. It’s true that with just nine goals and five assists, he should have contributed more in the final third this season. He suffered dips in form across the campaign, often appearing flustered and sometimes a little too keen to impress on the big occasion. But to claim Pogba hasn’t settled in at Old Trafford is to misunderstand just how important he has become.

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This was highlighted in Pogba’s absence through injury a few weeks ago. Against Arsenal earlier this month, when United’s hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four were truly ended, the Frenchman was sidelined. They missed him badly, with no real structure to their midfield as they were cut open time and time again. it was the same case in the goalless draw in the Manchester derby two weeks before that.

Quite simply, Man Utd are a far better team with Pogba in the lineup. He has become an integral part of their infrastructure, with the balance in the centre of the pitch a fragile one. Mourinho has a number of different options in the final third, but in midfield he must opt for a trio of Pogba, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera to stand any stand against top level opposition.

All of this shouldn’t mask that Pogba is capable of much better than he has shown this season. At his best, the 24-year-old is a force of nature, but he has rarely shown that for Man Utd. There have been glimpses, against Fenerbahce in the Europa League and in an away win over Crystal Palace when he was dominant, but while Mourinho would never admit it, he will be hoping Pogba can achieve a better level of consistency from this point on.

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Even still, there is a gross misunderstanding of the impression he has made upon his return to Old Trafford. He is much more than just a social media phenomenon or a big name to raise shirt sales. He is Man United’s most important player. He is the dynamo around which everything revolves on the pitch. Remove him and Mourinho would have to revise his whole blueprint.

Wednesday’s Europa League final is a chance for Pogba to underline his own personal significance to United. Mourinho recognises his importance, hauling the Frenchman off at half time of Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace after contributing a goal and an assist. Pogba has kept some of his best form for the Europa League and United could use one more impressive display from him in Stockholm.

Not even then will Pogba gets the credit he deserves. The Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo age has warped expectations of those at the top of the sport and the Frenchman has become the greatest victim of that. Nothing he does will ever be good enough. But at least if the Frenchman helps Manchester United to a season-salvaging Europa League win, he will have something tangible to point to in his defence.