This could be a big problem for Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford on Tuesday for Juventus’ clash with Manchester United in the Champions League group stage.
United have shown something of a resurgence in recent weeks, coming from behind to beat Newcastle 3-2 and almost winning at Stamford Bridge. But this will be their biggest test of the season so far. Juventus have dropped only two points so far in Serie A this season, and have one of the most complete squads in Europe – not to mention one of the best players in the world. Paulo Dybala.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher highlighted one of Manchester United’s key weaknesses, suggesting that Juventus will look to exploit it: Paul Pogba’s sloppy marking at corners.
After Pogba lost his man at the weekend, allowing Antonio Rudiger to bury a free header to give Chelsea the lead, the pre-game analysis focussed on this side of Pogba’s game and his shortcomings defensively.
Carragher acknowledged that Pogba was not a defender and that he may be better used at the front post when defending set pieces as he struggles to stick tight to his man.
Graeme Souness, who joined Carragher on MNF, explained that “His starting position is all wrong, what you can’t affor to happen is for them to get behind you”.
“He has to be able to see out the corner of his eye, the kicker and the man he’s marking and he fails to do that time and time again,” he added.
“It’s not a hard thing to fix, but he’s got to want to do it.”
Carragher believes this will be a problem for Manchester United when they come up against Juventus.
“Juventus have scored more goals than anyone else in Serie A from corners this season,” he said.
“They’ve got Ronaldo, Chiellini, Bonucci, Benatia and Khedira if he plays,” he added, highlighting the team’s physical prowess.
Add Mario Mandžukić to that list and it’s no surprise that Juventus have had so much success from corners this season, especially when Miralem Pjanić is delivering them.
Mourinho might want to reconsider how he uses Pogba when defending them if he wants to keep a clean sheet against the Italian champions.
