This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

A transfer saga that rumbled on for the entirety of the summer, Paul Pogba's long-term future at Manchester United still remains up for debate heading into Christmas.

The France World Cup winner appeared to be all set for an Old Trafford exit after suggesting he was open to trying a "new challenge", and then later admitting there is still a "question mark" over his United career. The Red Devils stood firm amidst interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus, with reports claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were demanding well in excess of £150m to let their star midfielder go.

But whilst the 26-year-old's departure may have been something deeply worrying or concerning in respect to where the club was headed just a few months ago, now, it doesn't seem as bad. The Frenchman has seen this campaign blighted by injuries, and the latest reports appear to suggest he is expected to be out of action for another month. And in his absence, United have seen a midfield partnership in Scott McTominay and Fred begin to flourish.

At 22 and 26 respectively, the duo are still yet to reach the peak years of their careers. In recent months and seasons, both McTominay and Fred have come under criticism for their performances, but since Solskjaer has handed them the reins as the side's deep-lying midfield two, they have both well and truly stepped up to the mantle.

In the 3-1 victory over Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, the pair combined for four tackles, six successful dribbles, three key passes and a staggering 16 duels won. They contributed significantly at both ends of the pitch, and played a key role in winning the ball back off the Seagulls and starting attacks.

In his time at Juventus, Pogba was considered to be a man capable of dominating defensively and offensively. His final campaign with the Bianconeri saw him average 2.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 3.5 shots and 1.5 key passes per game in Serie A. It was undoubtedly the all-action kind of displays that prompted United to shell out £89m for him.

Whilst things may not have worked out as they would have wanted, what with all this talk of him leaving just over three years after joining, the Red Devils shouldn't feel too upset. Because if McTominay and Fred can continue to produce such commanding displays as they did against Brighton, then the post-Pogba future looks bright after all.