The Frenchman was a standout performer in Russia and crowned his tournament with a sweet left-foot strike in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final. This means Pogba will arrive back next month following an enforced three-week break as a world champion and surely in the perfect place to produce a campaign of consistent brilliance. Still only 25 he should be the fulcrum who runs the team, pinning opponents back and creating openings, while weighing in with 15 goals a season.
Can he do it? Will Pogba and Mourinho improve a relationship that has been fractured? The first question impacts on the second: Pogba’s challenge is to ensure the answer is in the affirmative. If it is not then United’s season may disappoint.