Paul Pogba must produce a powerful display for Manchester United in order to lead them to Europa League glory

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An easy target for reasons largely beyond his control, the spotlight has been fixed on Paul Pogba for months. Sometimes he has delivered, occasionally he has not, but the conversation surrounding him has been constant.

The Friends Arena will be the stage on which Pogba hopes to finally win punditry allies with a performance driving Manchester United into next season's Champions League and collecting another trophy along the way.

These are the nights he was bought for. Put the debate about playing as a six or an eight aside, or whether he has done enough this year, Pogba will be expected to carry them from midfield. A big, powerful display is required against the youth of Ajax.

Paul Pogba during Tuesday's training session ahead of United's clash with Ajax

Pogba receives a celebratory hug from captain Wayne Rooney after scoring against Palace

The France international has been mocked for his off-the-field antics following his move

For this has not been a serene first campaign back in England. Only this week the 24-year-old has been the topic of some quite over-the-top criticism, which has been the soundtrack to his last nine months.

Step forward, Ruud Gullit. 'Pogba has made no impression at all in England,' said the Dutchman. 'I do not know if Ajax have to be concerned by him right now.'

Frankly, it feels incomprehensible that a former midfielder who won the vast majority of silverware during his playing career - and, crucially, is familiar with the burden of responsibility - can be quite so loose in describing Pogba.

He has created more chances than anyone else, gone on more dribbles, played more through balls, been fouled in the opposition's half more often at United. The list goes on, but arguments always circle back to £89million.

Another couple for Gullit. Most passes in the final third and second only to Ander Herrera for interceptions. This has not been a bad season for Pogba at all. Sure, it has not been a startling one either, but the consistent level of criticism is unjustified.

The Frenchman has carried the weight of his father, Fassou Antoine Pogba, suffering from a long-term illness before passing away earlier this month. The 79-year-old was treated in south Manchester's Christie Clinic and the American Hospital in Paris.

Mourinho granted Pogba compassionate leave without a second's thought and dealing with a loved one's deteriorating health must have prayed on the Frenchman's mind in the weeks before his death. How much that affected him, Pogba is the only man who will know.

Externally, he has always been the extrovert United fans see at a weekend or in social media posts alongside close friends at the club - notably Jesse Lingard, whose own game has been enhanced this season.

On Tuesday morning at Carrington, Pogba's booming voice and hearty laugh were unmistakable long before he came into view while wandering out to train alongside Anthony Martial and Antonio Valencia.

He picks team-mates up around that place, the heart and soul of Mourinho's dressing room, and the impact that has on others is immeasurable.

Pogba (centre) arrives in Sweden on United's plane with Antonio Valencia (left) and Eric Bailly

The £89m signing from Juventus will partner Ander Herrera (pictured) in United's engine room

There are the haircuts, the dancing on camera, the ill-advised emoji. They all come in the Pogba bundle and United knew exactly what package they were buying.

Mourinho, for the record, does not see the harm in his social media activity, relaxed and aware that it is now part of the game. It would be a stretch to say he encourages it, but the Portuguese wants to be seen moving with the times.

He does want performances to go with that, though, and has been pleased with the progress Pogba is showing and aware he is by no means the finished article. Again, the fee is not the player's fault.

'I hope next summer he is not the highest transfer fee any more and that the pressure goes to somebody else,' Mourinho said.

Jose Mourinho has backed Pogba throughout the season despite his lack of consistency

'The transfer fee was half of it everybody would say "what a buy" because he's playing more than good.

'But everybody expects performance according to that huge transfer fee and that brings pressure and sometimes unfair analysis.'

There has been some heavy analysis on Mourinho's handling of him, too. Just recently, Thierry Henry claimed Pogba should be 'playing higher and off the left,' rather than 'holding midfield'.

He has not held midfield for United. He is also not a No 10 - the player himself said that last month. He is what we saw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, making the middle third his own, breaking from deep to score and - more strikingly - executing a wonderful ball through for Josh Harrop's goal.

Another game like that will do Mourinho nicely and stave off the inquisitions until August at least.