Paul Pogba has started the season in devastating form. On Saturday, the Manchester United midfielder notched two more assists to take his tally for the season up to seven in just four games - a Premier League record.
What a difference a few weeks make. Pogba - who is in the final year of his United contract - was reportedly pushing to leave the club earlier this summer, though reports have now surfaced suggesting the midfielder is looking to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
In the latest episode of the UnitedOnMyMind podcast on Facebook Live, Fan Brands editor Mike Parrott was accompanied by Fan Brands writer Casey Evans to discuss all things United.
As you can probably imagine, Pogba was top of the agenda.
CE - “I'd like him to stay. At the end of the day, he's a very good player.
"He's 28 years old, he's going to be in the prime of his career, or maybe even is in the prime of his career [with] seven assists in four games which is ridiculous.
“That's very good form and if he keeps it going he'll be breaking records. We've seen it before though, where certain players have got 16 assists in one half of the season and then three in the second half.
“I think he's a great creative player, I think he's a great part of the team and if we can get him to stay and he wants to stay and play football with everyone else, then I'm more than happy to say we should give him a new contract.
“He's a vital part of the team and if we’re looking at a five-year plan he would be a big part of that, and not having to replace him next season would definitely be something that United would probably benefit greatly from in terms of transfer deals and such.”
MP - “There's been a lot of talk that he has been open to staying, but wanting an obscene amount of wages, - we’re talking £450,000 - 500,000-a-week, which is even more than what Ronaldo is on currently. So, hopefully, that isn't still the truth and he might’ve wanted a bit lower. Even if it's the same amount Ronaldo is on, I think a lot of us would be happy with that.
“I worry a little bit about the long-term balance of the team depending on where he would play and other recruitment because where is his best position? It's quite dangerous playing him in the double pivot still.
“We saw, even though he had a great game against Newcastle offensively and in possession, the goal conceded you just didn’t see the midfield at all. The defence needed to step up to stop that disastrous midfield performance. I think it's hard, especially if you want him to play on the wide left role that he keeps playing - what then happens to [Marcus] Rashford, [Jadon] Sancho?
"I'd worry about that. But he can always play in the midfield, especially when we have the lion's share of possession like we did [against Newcastle], something where he can just dictate the game.
“Hopefully we can bring in some bigger players - well, just better players - [and be] more balanced around him. I do worry a little if he is shoehorned into that double pivot for the time being with someone like [Nemanja] Matic, Fred or even [Scott] McTominay because he is not the best player defensively."
Would you like to see Paul Pogba stay at United? Follow our United fan brands team - Mike Parrott, Casey Evans and Anil Kandola - and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
