Paul Scholes slammed Paul Pogba for his performance against Atalanta, saying the Frenchman needs to cut out the ‘stupid things’ he does on the pitch.
Paul Pogba has had a difficult few weeks in a Manchester United shirt. Since he is suspended from domestic action for the next three games, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to give the Frenchman a start against Atalanta, where he faltered again. However, Cristiano Ronaldo was sharp enough to earn a 2-2 draw for the visitors.
Pogba was at fault for one of Atalanta’s goals, giving the ball away cheaply. This season, similar sloppiness resulted in Solskjaer dropping him from the starting lineup for vital games against Leicester and Liverpool. His blistering start of the season, where he got four assists on the opening matchday against Leeds United, has long been forgotten.
Stories surrounding the midfielder’s future are doing the rounds as he runs down his contract. Although some suggested his performances never warranted an extension, a new deal was supposed to be in the pipeline. Other big European clubs are circling Pogba, as his Manchester United future looks grim.
Looking at his displays in recent weeks, a pundit suggested Manchester United sell him to recoup some cash from his transfer as early as January. Either way, Pogba has been performing badly and compounding the problems at the club.
Paul Scholes did not shy away from criticising the midfielder after his latest sub-par display when afforded a starting berth against Atalanta. The former Manchester United midfielder said Pogba needs to stop with the ‘stupid things’ he does on the pitch and urged him to be more mature with his displays. The Independent via BT Sport posted those comments from Scholes after the Champions League clash.
Scholes said, “Pogba needs somebody on him all the time. Somebody there that he totally respects; he needs experienced people behind him.
“How old he? 28? He’s a really experienced player. But he’s one of them that will get to 35 and be exactly the same. He’ll still be doing the stupid stuff where he’s stud rolling the ball, holding people off, showing how strong and skilful he is. The biggest thing with Paul is his concentration. He goes away with the fairies at times.
“You think of the Juventus team he played in, where he was brilliant and was why we signed him. The experience around him – [Andrea] Pirlo, [Giorgi] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Gianluigi] Buffon, an aggressive manager. He will need that treatment until he’s 35.”