Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has disagreed with Paul Pogba’s assessment of his influence at the club this season.
Pogba gave an insightful interview to Sky Sports ahead of the Premier League clash with Burnley, where he opened up on his previous dealings with Jose Mourinho and United’s aim to win silverware this season.
The midfielder expressed his belief that he has improved at United this season by becoming an influential player, but Keane has disagreed, stating he has not stepped up as expected in the big matches.
Keane will always demand more from players, but we are seeing more from Pogba on the pitch.
“I didn’t learn anything new from it, with what he was saying, we’ve all discussed it many times over the last few years – Paul Pogba is a talented player, there’s no getting away from that, but I still feel he hasn’t done enough for United,” he told Sky Sports, as quoted by the Express.
“He mentioned that he fell out with Jose Mourinho, that was a big problem at the club, but even there when he said about the last few months that he’s been a big influence, I wouldn’t agree with that. I think he’s played okay and he’s a good player but in the big games this year, he’s not turned up.
“It’s not just his fault. They lost at Leicester, which was a big cup game for them, against Manchester City at home, he didn’t perform that night.
“I think when Manchester United signed Pogba it wasn’t to be playing in the Europa League or winning the League Cup, so I think Pogba needs a bit of a reminder why he’s playing for United. They paid a big transfer fee and big wages for the likes of him, for United to be competing for Premier League titles and the Champions League.
“Even this year in the Champions League, they got themselves into a great position and they blew it and Pogba is part of that problem because they haven’t got over the line. We say he’s a big character and a big player, okay he’s done brilliantly with France, but he’s not done in on a consistent basis for United.”
For a player who has done well in recent weeks and looks to have a spring in his step, I agree with Keane, but think the timing is harsh.
At least Pogba knows what he needs to do to redeem himself.
Do it in the big games and win us a trophy!
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