Paul Pogba Uninspiring as Manchester United Draw vs. West Ham

Paul Pogba put in a lacklustre performance on Thursday as Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The visitors had the better chances in the match and forced several strong saves from goalkeeper Adrian, but with a point enough to guarantee second place, they rarely got out of third gear.

Playing alongside Ander Herrera and Scott McTominay in the centre, Pogba did little of note aside from a late clash with Mark Noble, as United failed to score for the fourth time away from home in their last seven matches.

Pogba a Problem

Not for the first time this season, Paul Pogba produced a frustrating performance in a United shirt. 

The Frenchman was often too relaxed and careless in his play, while his wayward efforts on goal rarely troubled Adrian.

Football writer Tom McDermott was unimpressed with the midfielder:

In many ways, Pogba embodied his team's performance—lacking urgency and capable of much better.

Burdened with an £89 million price tag, the 25-year-old has come under a great deal of scrutiny since he rejoined United in 2016, and nearly two years on he's still yet to show much more than the occasional flash of what he can do.

Indeed, on plenty of similar occasions this season, against opposition United should be looking to beat more often than not, the midfielder has allowed the game to pass him by rather than dictate the proceedings.

United most likely aren't yet at the stage where they're prepared to write him off, but he needs a big year next season if he's to make his time at Old Trafford a success.

Luke Shaw Just Can't Win

Luke Shaw was handed a rare start by manager Jose Mourinho, playing as a left wing-back. He showed plenty of intent early on, per Squawka Football:

He also came closest to scoring for United when he had a shot tipped on to the post by Adrian after a marauding run forward.

Mourinho still appeared unhappy with his showing, though, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

Shaw is battling for his United future every time he makes it on to the pitch, but in trying to impress the manager, he seems to be on a hiding to nothing.

Alexis Sanchez Is No Substitute for Romelu Lukaku

Rather than give Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial a run out up front, Mourinho elected to deploy Alexis Sanchez as a lone frontman.

The Chilean lacked the positional discipline required of the role, though, and often found himself out wide or dropping deep into midfield. Football writer Jordan Clarke noted as much:

Early in the second half, after drifting out to the left with the ball, he had only McTominay to aim at in the area.

On top of that, Sanchez cut a frustrated figure as he was frequently dispossessed by the hosts, rarely drawing the fouls he was looking for in the process.

The performance only served as a reminder of what United lack going forward without Romelu Lukaku in the team.

The Belgian not only offers power, drive and the ability to hold the ball up, but he's also a clear focal point up front, and the Red Devils will be much more confident if he's in the lineup for the FA Cup final.

What's Next

United welcome Watford to Old Trafford on Sunday in the final day of the Premier League season before taking on Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

West Ham finish their campaign at home to Everton.