Stats show why Man Utd are desperate to keep Paul Pogba as Real Madrid transfer target topped EVERY major category last season

PAUL POGBA was arguably Manchester United’s most important player last season – and the stats back it up.

The £89million man, who recently admitted he wants to leave the club, often bears the brunt of fan anger under the assumption that he is failing to deliver given his price tag.

And World Cup winner Pogba, 26, has himself admitted he is an easy target with his number of haircuts and flash lifestyle which includes a £1.6million supercar collection and Gucci wardrobe.

But number crunchers at Opta and Squawka have discovered the importance of Pogba to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

And the figures also show why Juventus and Real Madrid are so eager to sign him this summer.

Pogba came way ahead of his team-mates by topping the stats in all the major categories, coming top for goals (13), assists (nine) and shots on target (50).

He had the most take-ons (60), fouls won (69) and chances created (55).

Man Utd’s record signing was also top for possession won (218), passes into the final third (321) and duels won (234).

So clearly a convincing case can be made for him being the most important player at Manchester United, despite SunSport’s exclusive poll revealing the majority of fans want to see him leave.

CRUCIAL TO CLUB

And even furious players within the dressing room want him out for the good of boss Solskjaer’s rebuild.

The issues comes when you compare Pogba’s numbers with those leading at other clubs.

For example, his 13 goals pales in comparison to Man City striker Sergio Aguero’s 21, Liverpool stars Mo Salah and Sadio Mane’s 22 and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 22.

Also, Eden Hazard notched up 15 assists before leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid in a £150m deal.

And Pogba’s number of chances created was behind only Gunners star Mesut Ozil (45), with Hazard forging a massive 98 chances, some 43 more than the Frenchman.

The fact remains Pogba was the best at Utd in a number of ways – and it is no surprise Juve and Real want to seal a deal.

Some reports recently claimed Pogba had called new Old Lady boss Maurizio Sarri to convince him to get a move done – after Juve chief Paratici confirmed the club’s interest.

And it was said Real Madrid could offer Gareth Bale or Isco in exchange for bringing Pogba to the Bernabeu.