Paul Pogba, we can safely say, has not had the best of times in recent weeks.
Undoubtedly one of the finest midfielders in world football on his day, his poor form has seen him dropped on more than one occasion by Jose Mourinho, with some reports suggesting the French international has fallen out with his Manchester United manager.
One of the latest to offer his thoughts on Pogba is Gary Pallister, who also wore the number six shirt at Old Trafford during a nine-year stay at United.
The former England international praised Pogba’s physical attributes and vision, claiming he could be like Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in terms of playing style. However, he also questioned his work rate when not on the ball.
“He’s a physical, imposing midfielder,” Pallister told Sportingbet. “I think he prefers to play on the left-hand side of the midfield three. It’s not when he’s on the ball, it’s when he’s off the ball that’s the issue.
“He’s got great vision but without the ball he looks uncomfortable. He can be like Gerrard, he has all the attributes. But he needs to work on his play off the ball. He’s going to need to improve his work rate.”
Pallister also adds that it’s for this reason that Pogba had recently found himself dropped by his manager. He does, however, rubbish the claims of a rift between the two.
“As a team, Jose is trying to make them better without the ball, pressing higher up the pitch and winning the second balls, but it’s not something they’re good at currently. He wants more discipline and that’s why he dropped Pogba.
“I think that the rumours of rifts are rubbish, and he displayed against Chelsea that he had a bit of fire in his belly.
“He kept the ball and joined up with the attack, which is when he’s at his best.
“I learnt under Sir Alex that you do as the manager says and if you don’t you’ll get left outside.”Â
