Darren Fletcher Talks Paul Pogba Tactical Concerns During First Man United Spell

Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has said there were concerns about Paul Pogba's tactical discipline during his first spell at the football club. 

Pogba joined the United youth setup in 2009 before leaving for Juventus in 2012. Four years later, the France midfielder returned to Old Trafford for a world-record transfer fee, having enjoyed tremendous success in Serie A.

Fletcher, who had a 12-year career in the United first team, spoke on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football  about how he dealt with Pogba during a time coaching the Red Devils reserve team the Frenchman was in:

"In that team we played Pogba a lot higher up the pitch and in more advanced, attacking areas whether that be central or wide right or left. We felt like he was the one player in the team that would go and win us games.

"It was also because of the fact that we thought he had a bit of ill-discipline in the middle of the park as a normal central midfielder."

Fletcher highlighted a specific game against Blackburn Rovers where United were suffering with an injury crisis in midfield and Pogba was still left on the bench by iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"At that time we didn't feel like he was disciplined enough for the reserve team to be playing in the middle of the park so to then jump to be playing in the first team in an important game was a big step," said the West Bromwich Albion midfielder. "He saw himself more as a central midfielder, but we saw him more as an attacking midfielder who could get in areas and be a match-winner."

Despite highlighting some concerns earlier in his career, Fletcher went on to say he's been impressed with the form of Pogba recently and particularly encouraged by some of his links with Anthony Martial.

Here's more of what Fletcher had to say about the French duo:

Paul Hayward of the Daily Telegraph was impressed with how Fletcher, who won five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford, broke down Pogba's game:

Pogba continues to divide opinion in the football world. This season he has an impressive five goals and four assists in all competitions for the Red Devils, although on occasions he can make rash decisions on the ball and seem to lose concentration.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News praised his display in the recent 2-1 win over Bournemouth:

All eyes will be on Pogba in the Champions League on Wednesday, as he returns to Juventus for a crucial showdown for the Red Devils.

At the moment, with Fred and Nemanja Matic alongside him in midfield, manager Jose Mourinho appears to be getting the best from his record signing. United supporters will be hoping this extra freedom will bring a greater consistency from their No. 6.