At the start of the 2017/18 season, few people would have guessed that questions would have arisen over Paul Pogba's long-term future at Manchester United.

The Frenchman started the campaign superbly, running things in midfield alongside Nemanja Matic and reminding the world why the Red Devils spent £89m to being him back to Old Trafford.

However, since the turn of the year, all the positivity surrounding the mercurial midfielder has been sapped away, with Mourinho not placing much trust in his midfield general.

In the losses to Tottenham and Newcastle, Pogba was subbed off after just an hour due to his ineffective displays, while he was left out of the starting XI entirely in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the league.

So, just what is the problem with the Frenchman? Well, a lot of people have suggested his role in a midfield two restricts him from doing what he does best, playing with freedom.

In a midfield three, he is usually way more effective.

However, Pogba himself has supposedly told his close friends what he must do to get out of this slump and it doesn't necessarily apply to his position on the pitch.

According to The Sun, Pogba has told friends that he must adapt to the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, as the Chilean attacker has now replaced him as the 'go-to guy' in their squad.

Ever since his arrival from Arsenal, it has been noticeable how the United team always look for him when on the ball, something they used to do with Pogba.

How Pogba copes with not being the centre of attention could define his career at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman is expected to be missing for United's Champions League tie against Sevilla due to illness, with Jose Mourinho saying before the 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday that he's unsure when he will return.

He said: "I don't know if he's out for long and honestly I don't care.

"I focus on the game and just on the game. I will think about Paul after the match."

Pogba is surely entering the most decisive period of his entire career.