Let’s get straight to the point – Paul Pogba’s desire is to sign a new 545,000-USD-per-week deal at Old Trafford. That is at least what reports earlier this week claimed – the 28-year-old midfielder is telling those people within his inner circle he wishes to be one of the highest paid players in the league. The question is – does he deserve it? Pogba is out of contract at the end of the season and there are few who would want to see the Frenchman depart on a free transfer once his deal expires. And over the next few months, the long-legged creative midfielder will be facing arguably the most crucial decision of his career.On the pitch itself, Pogba is having one of his best seasons. He has created more than three times the chances than at this stage last season. Progress is evident, after few seasons of underachieving.Neighbours clash in the Nations League showpieceSince signing in an 120 million USD deal from Juventus more than five years ago, Pogba’s form has constantly fluctuated but this year he seems much more comfortable.He might even surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s joint Premier League assists record of 20 in a season – he already recorded seven in his first four top-flight games of the current campaign.However, since recording two assists on Cristiano Ronaldo’s second debut against Newcastle, Pogba has failed to contribute a single goal or assist in the five games he has played in since across all competitions.The matter of does Pogba deserve such a salary and if he is the most productive player of the Old Trafford team can be analyzed through statistics.He has created 14 chances in the Premier League so far this term – tenth on the list in the whole division in that category. His team-mates Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes rank seventh and first on the list.With the additional two chances Pogba has created in the Champions League, it accumulates to more than three times the amount of chances at this stage this season (16) than he had at this point in 2020-21 (five).Even Cristiano Ronaldo has cheat days, says his friend and national team colleagueAs far as assists, Pogba tops the charts with 7 (all have come in the league and all came from open play), with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure his nearest challengers (4).Since Ronaldo’s return, the Frenchman has played in a deeper midfield role rather than towards the left-hand side, making his ability to break the lines with his runs – as well as his passes – a crucial asset to the Red Devils.His dribbling was never in question and it is still working great for Pogba. However, tackling and ability to win the ball in duels are now of the essence, as he is being positioned in a less advanced role by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Sat, 16/10, 17.00: (3.90) LEICESTER (3.50) MAN UNITED (2.05)The fact that frightens the most about Pogba this season is his lack of finishing in and around the opposition’s box – the 28-year-old has failed to score so far this season, missing all of the four big chances that have been laid on for him.He has had a total of 19 shots this season, compared to just six at this stage last term. Just four of those nineteen have been recorded as on target.Pogba’s performances are yet to be seen an dissected but there is also the question of whether he wants to stay at the Theater of Dreams. French L’Equipe claim the arrival of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho to strengthen the team could be the key factor in Pogba’s decision making process about whether to stick around.Atomic football by France and Belgium with World Cup winners victorious – Spain awaits in the Nations League finalPogba’s decision about whether to stay or not is also likely to be determined by the amount of success United have this season and whether Solskjaer’s refreshed squad have what it takes to win trophies.And truth be told, their form ahead of following fixtures is a point of concern, with United winning just two of their last six games across all competitions, which includes taking just one point from home matches against Aston Villa and Everton.Pogba’s impact on Man United needs to be crucial if he wants to prove his worth. The alleged half-a-million-USD-per-week worth.
