Wayne Rooney has called for Paul Pogba to take responsibility for his own form.
The French midfielder has come in for criticism in recent times, amid speculation of an ongoing rift with manager Jose Mourinho.
Pogba questioned whether United had the right attitude after last week’s 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, saying the Seagulls “prepared very well, maybe better than us.”
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While people reacted to his ‘attitude’ reference, little was made of his apparent dig at Mourinho’s preparations of the game, seemingly hinting that the manager didn’t do his homework before the fixture.
Those comments provoked a response from former United midfielder Paul Scholes, who said there was “no defence” for such remarks.
However, Mourinho would not be drawn on Pogba’s thoughts about United’s preparation, telling the press ahead of Monday’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur: “Paul has to answer by his words. If you want any explanation about Paul’s words you must get him and ask him.”
But Manchester United’s record goalscorer Rooney, now at DC United, did not hesitate to weigh in with his view on the drama at Old Trafford.
Speaking to CNN World Sport, as per the Daily Mail, he said: “He [Pogba] is a fantastic player but he has to do it for himself.
“If they’re going to win the title, he’ll be the main player in terms of them doing that.
“You hear a lot of people saying Jose Mourinho needs to get the best out of him but he needs to do it for himself and prove he’s at that level to help Man United.”
Say what you like about Rooney and his wantaway spats of the past, but this is someone who knows what it means to fight for United and drive on his teammates. Pogba could learn a bit from him.
