Three factors behind Manchester United’s recent poor run of form

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Pogba’s slow start

Being the world’s most expensive player means that you must impress from the word go – something that Paul Pogba has failed to do so far in his United career. The £89 million signing’s statistics make for grim reading, with no goals and assists in his opening five games for the club. Against Watford, the French international offered exactly no shots on target, no chances created, and completed just 75% of passes attempted.

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Whilst supporters of rival clubs have been all too quick to mock United for splashing out such an extravagant fee on a player that they believe to be a waste of money, it is unlikely that Pogba will remain as anonymous as he has been for long. In his debut against Southampton, the 23-year-old was hugely influential in his side coming away with a 2-0 win, showing signs of what he is capable of achieving at United. The difficulties of adjusting to a new team and a new league appear to have taken their toll on Pogba in recent weeks, with his price tag meaning that his performances have been scrutinised even further.

At present, Pogba appears to be finding it difficult to come to terms with his role in the side. The majority of his touches have been inside his own half, where he is struggling to influence the game. Whether he has been instructed to play this deep, or he is suffering a lack of confidence is unclear, but Pogba is at his best when making lung-busting runs and shooting from distance. His long-range efforts against City and Watford, both of which hit the crossbar, were glimpses of the player at his best.

Although his lack of form is unhelpful for Mourinho, who would have hoped for his marquee signing to hit the ground running, it is not time to panic just yet. Many players have struggled to find their feet upon arriving in England and then gone on to become hugely successful. Both Mesut Özil and Didier Drogba endured a slow start before excelling at Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.

Furthermore, Pogba has come back from similar struggles in the past, most notably last season, when Juventus recovered from their worst-ever start to the season to win Serie A by nine points. On the way, the French midfielder contributed the most assists in the division and it is surely only a matter of time before he returns to his emphatic best.