No way, Jose! Pogba must demand flop Fellaini is dropped

Jose Mourinho called Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Zorya Luhansk a “must-win” encounter on Wednesday, but their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford had the home fans pulling their hair out for long spells as they watched a team of superstars being undermined by the lack of creativity offered by Marouane Fellaini.

Paul Pogba might be the world’s most expensive player, but United still often show a worrying lack of ideas in terms of how best to cater for the Frenchman. And while he was far from at his best as the Reds laboured to three points, the presence of Fellaini in the role just alongside him helped to bring United down to Zorya’s level.

The home side spent far too much time playing into the hands of their opponents with frighteningly slow build-up play and too little movement between the lines. It is hard to imagine that the presence of Michael Carrick rather than Fellaini at the base of midfield would not have added for more to their attacking presence.