Paul Pogba may be the world’s most expensive footballer, but Paul Scholes doesn’t believe he’s living up to the hype.
Scholes watched on from BT Sport’s punditry studio as Manchester United lost their Europa League opener 1-0 to Feyenoord on Thursday night.
The former United midfielder wasn’t impressed with Pogba’s performance during the match explaining that he’s unsure of the exact role the Frenchman is playing in the Red Devils’ midfield. He believes that Pogba lacks the requisite discipline to control the centre of the park.
“I don’t really know what position he’s playing at the minute. Has he got a position? Has he been told to play where he wants? He seems to be a little all over the place at times. I think he’s trying to do too much on the ball.”
“He’s trying to beat three or four players. He’s running with the ball. He should keep it simple for now. That’s not the player Manchester United bought. They didn’t buy a Lionel Messi to go and beat five players and stick it in the top corner all the time. They bought a powerful, strong midfield player who can take the ball. He’s got skill, he can pass it forward, he can run.”
Paul Pogba's Manchester derby showing torn asunder by Jamie Carragher https://t.co/RyNKHZeBdG
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Scholes reckons that United need to sign a more composed and cultured midfielder to compliment Pogba. While Michael Carrick would fit the bill, his advancing years mean he won’t be a long-term option.
“He needs a controlling midfield player next to him. They probably need to go into the transfer market for somebody like that. Michael (Carrick) is capable of it. But they still need that controlling midfielder, who can control where Paul goes and can control a game of football.”
He thinks the solution to the Pogba problem could lie in the Bernabeu, as he has identified Toni Kroos and Luka Modric as two players he feels could bring out the best in Pogba.
“I know he’s (Mourinho) happy with the four players he’s bought but they still need that type of player. A Luka Modric or a Toni Kroos. I think these players are available. I think Paul Pogba would be a much better player playing with these types of players.”
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