Ralf Rangnick says he is ‘excited’ by Paul Pogba’s return and has offered his opinion on the Manchester United midfielder’s best position.
Pogba has not featured for the Red Devils since the Champions League draw with Atalanta in November, having sustained a thigh injury on international duty the following week that has sidelined the 28-year-old for three months.
The France international has not been available since Rangnick’s appointment as interim manager, but is in line to return when the club face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup’s fourth round on Friday evening.
Rangnick has suggested that Pogba could start against the Championship side and says he is ‘excited’ to see what the midfielder can bring to the side.
“I think he’s definitely ready for tomorrow and, since Fred only came back yesterday with jet-lag, as he played for Brazil, for me, it is quite logical to let Paul play,” he told MUTV. “To see how he is doing and what kind of level he can play.
“What I’ve seen in training is promising and now it’s up to him to show up on the big pitch, in the big competitions we’re still in. Like everybody, I’m very excited by what he can give to the team and which kind of level he can play.”
👀 3 Things To Expect From Ralf Rangnick's Man Utd W/ @SofaScoreINT…
🇫🇷🇵🇹 Paul Pogba X Bruno Fernandes in a midfield three. pic.twitter.com/yzV1BHMDC7
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 3, 2022
Pogba’s best position has been a subject of debate for much of his time in the Premier League, with the Frenchman having operated from the left on occasion under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Rangnick has offered his opinion on Pogba’s best role and believes the midfielder’s attributes are more suited to a central role in the side.
“What I’ve seen so far, with regard to his physique, his physical presence, the technical assets he has, I think his best position is a central midfield position. I don’t see him that much as a winger.
“By saying that, I wouldn’t say he cannot at all play that position. But we have quite a few players for the winger position right now. I see his best possible position as central midfield, if it’s a no.6 or an 8, I have to see. I haven’t seen him play so far. If you ask me right now, probably the no.8 position.”
