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MANCHESTER UNITED

"Pogba living in his own little fantasy world" - Scholes

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has said that Man United may need a player like Roy Keane to remove Pogba from “his own little fantasy world”.

Update:
"Pogba living in his own little fantast world" - Scholes
Alex LiveseyGetty Images

Paul Pogba is “living in his own little fantasy world” according to former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.

Pogba’s commitment and performances at Manchester United have been questioned amid speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, with the Frenchman stating in March that playing for Los Blancos would be “a dream from anyone”.

Since joining United for a second spell in 2016 for a club-record fee of 105 million euros, the 26-year-old has lacked the consistency and reportedly had a major falling out with former coach Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese's sacking in December.

After enjoying an initial spell of consistent form following the arrival of Mourinho’s replacement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December, the Frenchman has again attracted criticism for a spate of lacklustre performances, amid reports he has agreed terms with Real Madrid.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, former United midfielder Scholes has suggested that while United could have afforded to let go of players of Pogba’s calibre in the past, the weaker state of the current squad means losing the Frenchman would come as a big blow.

“There’s confusion in midfield. Is Pogba going to stay or go?” Scholes said. “In years gone by, United have lost top players and it didn’t really affect them. You think of Roy Keane going, David Beckham, Cristiano [Ronaldo] going, [Ruud] van Nistelrooy. All top, top players leaving the club.”

Paul Scholes played 499 Premier League games for Manchester United during his 19 years at the club.
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Paul Scholes played 499 Premier League games for Manchester United during his 19 years at the club.John SibleyREUTERS

“But you always had a squad of players that it didn’t really matter, you didn’t really miss them that much.”

While the 44-year old acknowledged Pogba’s potential and importance at Old Trafford, he called on the Frenchman to deliver “week in, week out” for United. But the former England international believes coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may need a player like his ex-team mate Roy Keane beside Pogba to get the best out of him. 

“We all know Paul, we talk about potential, but he's 26 years of age, he's got to start producing it week in week out. You're going to be losing a player who you know can be world class.

“He could be a player who needs a Bryan Robson or a Roy Keane next to him just to give him a little rollicking every now and then. If he doesn’t get that he just carries on in his own little fantasy world, thinking he’s the best.”

Keane blasts Pogba's attitude

Keane himself has also come out to publically criticise Pogba recently, saying the former Juventus player cannot be trusted while questioning his commitment and work rate at United.

“I wouldn’t believe a word he says,” Sky Sports pundit Keane said regarding Pogba’s post-match comments following United's 4-0 defeat to Everton on 21 April. “There is no meaning behind it … he’s on about being a good team; well if you want to be a good team mate then you’ve got to run back when you’re defending."

“He said it got a bit heated after the game against Everton; I heard they were actually throwing their hair gel at each other,” the former United captain jokingly added.

Pogba responds to Keane remarks

Pogba responded to Keane’s comments in an interview with French radio station RMC on Sunday, saying: “They're paid to say things in front of the camera. I'm just focused on what happens on the pitch.

"They can say what they want, they're paid for that. I'm not paid to speak. I'm paid to be on the pitch and to fight for my team. That's all.”