How Man City could line up with Haaland AND Pogba
Robin Bairner
- 6 May 2022 23:10 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester City may be about to complete two huge transfers, with Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland both linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium.
City have long been thought to be the front runners to sign Haaland this summer, and on Friday news broke from TuttoMercatoWeb that a deal has been struck with regards the Norway international’s contract.
But more surprising reports would follow hot on the heels of this announcement, with the Daily Mailsuggesting that City are interested in a sensational move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba – a player often lamented in the red half of the city.
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The addition of such superstars would help to bolster the club’s ranks after their stunning Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid in midweek, in which they were undoubtedly lacking offensively.
How could Pogba and Haaland fit into Pep Guardiola’s plans, though?
Man City with Haaland and Pogba
Firstly, it should be noted that Guardiola rotates his squad on a regular basis, and so he rarely plays what is on paper his strongest XI. Players come in and out of the squad based on the qualities of the opponents, as well as aspects such as fatigue levels.
Haaland, clearly, would be the go-to figure in the No.9 role. It is a position that has been filled by Phil Foden often this term, although clearly the England midfielder plays it in a very different style. In turn, he could play a more orthodox No.10 role or out on the left, with Jack Grealish destined to see less game time after a difficult first season.
How Pogba might fit into Guardiola’s framework is a little less clear because of sheer numbers of quality players they have in the middle of the park. Kevin De Bruyne is clearly untouchable, but Pogba is not defensively minded enough to be combined with the Belgian and Bernardo Silva. Rodri would be the natural player to have him alongside.
No changes in the defence would be envisaged because of these signings, yet there is little doubt that Haaland and Pogba have the capacity to transform Man City’s fortunes.
