Pranav Nair
Roy Keane blasts Paul Pogba for his lack of leadership at Manchester United
Speaking on ITV (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United legend Roy Keane has bemoaned the lack of leadership portrayed by Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman, when in form, is one of the best players in the world. However, United fans have only seen him reach such levels occasionally. Pogba, to his credit, enjoyed an excellent second half of the season this time around, helping us to second spot in the Premier League and the finals of the Europa League.
The 28-year-old, on the other hand, is a consistent performer for France and is often at the top of his game for Les Bleus. He was once again the man of the match in their Euro opener against Germany last night.
“At club level he doesn’t show leadership skills.”
Despite the progress that Pogba has shown at United in recent months. Keane is left wanting for more. While the Irishman does not doubt Pogba’s ability, he wants the player to step up even more in the games to come.
“Listen, we keep talking about Paul Pogba. There is no doubt that he is a talented boy but I still want more from him especially for Manchester United.”
Opening up on the starring roles that Pogba has played for France, Keane believes the difference in quality could be a telling factor. After all, Pogba shares the field with N’Golo Kante for his country in comparison to Fred and Scott McTominay at United. With all due respect to the Red Devils duo, Kante is way ahead of them as a footballer.
“No doubt he is surrounded by better players and more comfortable in that environment with the French squad.”
A marked difference
Weighing in on the matter, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira conceded that there is a marked difference in Pogba’s performance for club and country. However, he too does not appear to have much of an idea as to why that is the case.
“I think when he’s with United, he maybe doesn’t take responsibility, maybe there’s too much responsibility or maybe there’s not enough players around him who can take responsibility.”
Pogba is currently in the final year of his deal at United. It will be a difficult pill for United fans to digest if the Frenchman leaves the club.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer respond to criticism from club legend Gary Neville
- Man United return with a £21.5million bid for Kieran Trippier
- Manchester United wonderkids Mason Greenwood and Amad Diallo nominated for the Golden Boy award
Amongst Keane’s comments, the most striking one has to be about Pogba being comfortable in the French squad. That certainly appears to be the case.
The player recently admitted that he is constrained by the tactics at United. Whether a chance of position or responsibilities will unlock the best in him remains to be seen.
