The eye-catching stat that shows Paul Pogba’s importance to Man Utd

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Planet Football
15th July 2020

While Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood have been the stars of Manchester United’s resurgence in recent months, the return of Paul Pogba has seen the much-maligned midfielder once again become a key player at Old Trafford.

Pogba has been the subject of plenty of criticism and was widely tipped to leave United this summer, only to return to form and fitness upon the Premier League’s restart.

Before anybody shows this to Graeme Souness – yes, we know Pogba was at fault for Southampton’s opener in their 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night, but he was also involved in the build-up to both of United’s goals too.

Data from Statsbomb, compiled by @soccerstats12, highlights the influence Pogba has begun to exert on United’s team in recent weeks. The midfielder’s performances have been so impressive in a slick United outfit they are now being tipped to challenge for the title next season – use these sign up bonuses if you’re tempted too.

MORE: The Premier League table since football’s restart: Man Utd top, LFC fifth

The France international averages 13.98% of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s passes per game, the second-highest figure in the entire Premier League, with only Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood, a former Manchester United academy product, ahead of Pogba.

Fred also ranks highly, although the Brazilian has fallen out of the starting XI since Pogba’s return, with the entire list making for interesting reading.

Midfield engines of the Premier League! Oliver Norwood, Paul Pogba, and Ashley Westwood are the most involved players in their team's passing systems. Jorginho, Winks, and Kovacic are all in the top 10. All defenders have been excluded from the data sample. Data from @StatsBomb pic.twitter.com/YOVQ9Cd2WB

— Mark R. (@soccerstats12) July 14, 2020