Paul Pogba didn’t look himself against Newcastle and the reason why has emerged.
Pogba didn’t complete the warm-up ahead of Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park and was substituted just after the Magpies scored the game’s only goal, having struggled for most of the first half.
The French midfielder appeared sluggish and unable to crank up the intensity before he was replaced by Michael Carrick twenty minutes after half-time and while it had been suggested that Pogba might have picked up a knock, Manchester Evening News have reported the real reason for the 24-year-old’s poor performance.
MEN claims that Pogba was actually ill last Sunday, which explains the grimace on his face as he sat on the bench for the remainder of the game.
At the time, manager Jose Mourinho claimed that there were no concerns over the club’s record signing.
“No no no, nothing no, no problems,” Mourinho told Sky Sports when asked why he was substituted.
Pogba’s performance was criticised by many pundits, with Sky Sports’ Graeme Souness claiming that “he doesn’t understand the role when not in possession.”
Mourinho was asked to comment on Souness’ scathing remarks about the France international, who has not seen out a full game in several weeks.
“You ask Souness,” Mourinho replied. “Souness comments and is responsible for his comments. I don’t analyse players individually.”
