SkySports pundit and former Manchester United legend Gary Neville has added his voice to those criticising record signing Paul Pogba after the Frenchman’s inconsistent forms of late.
Neville who was sacked by Valencia early this year has spoken out publicly alleging that Pogba is confused at United given his form which shows no sign of abating. The ex-Juventus playmaker was signed in the summer for £89 million making him the world’s most expensive player in the process outstripping the £80 million Real Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013, and currently commands in the region of £290,000 per week in the United colours.
At United, Pogba had to wait until the second game of the season against Southampton to make his debut as he was suspended in the first game against Bournemouth owing to his records in Italian Serie A. Against Claude Puel’s side, Pogba was outstanding as he impressed in the double pivot role alongside Ander Herrera, as United ran out 2-0 winners on the night. Things will unfortunately change for the midfielder as started to flop against the likes of Hull City, Manchester City , Stoke City, Liverpool before the 4-0 disgrace away at Chelsea where he was totally and thoroughly humiliated by the likes of N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic in central midfield.
Pogba has also not being helped by Jose Mourinho who has played him in several positions in midfield making it difficult for him to master any position. Mourinho in recent games, has shifted the Frenchman high up the field in the No. 10 which is slightly behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is the club’s main striker. The Frenchman was initially paired with Mauroune Felliani in the centre of the pitch (4-2-3-1 formation) which yielded two wins against Southampton and Hull City but this was quickly changed by Mourinho after the game against Manchester City as Pogba was pushed forward in the next games against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, Neville was quoted as saying: “Pogba is no doubt confused. He has been signed for such a huge fee and I look at him and it was a difficult day for him.
“It was difficult for him at times at Anfield as a No.10, so at the moment, I think Jose Mourinho Is trying to find a way to incorporate him and when you sign a player for that level of money, you shone his have to make it fit,”
The Frenchman responded in the best possible manner in the League Cup game by impressing in his new position as he created a number of chances for his team mates. At 23, it is easy to forget that though not yet in the level of the likes of Christiano Ronaldo, Antonie Griezman, Mesut Ozil and Lionel Messi, Pogba still has time to develop and raise his game if he continues with his Manchester City display.
