Manchester United legend Andy Cole has claimed that the criticism Paul Pogba faces is “unfair” as speculation continues about his future.
The Frenchman has been a divisive figure amongst supporters since returning from Juventus in 2016.
Pogba has 18 months left on his deal at Old Trafford, but his agent Mino Raiola fuelled the fire with some controversial comments.
On the eve of United’s decisive Champions League clash with RB Leipizg, Raiola suggested his client’s United career was “over” and he would push for a move in 2021.
That resulted in Pogba facing a backlash from all corners, but Cole believes some of the reaction has been unjust.
“I’m one of Paul Pogba’s biggest fans and I think he’s a fantastic player. I also think he gets a lot of unfair criticism,” Cole told The Target Men Podcast.
“Pogba left a winning Juventus team to return to Manchester United wanting to help the club return to its glory days. He wanted nothing more than to compete and win trophies at the club.
“Pogba has been back at Manchester United for four years and the club are probably no closer to winning the Premier League now than they were when he joined, so it’s a transfer that hasn’t worked out as either club or player would have hoped.
“I expect that decision [on his future] to be made this summer, if it hasn’t been already.”
Cole’s comments come as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent a stern warning to the midfielder, letting him now that no play is bigger than the club.
Pogba has shown glimpses of his best form in recent outings, particularly in the win over Sheffield United last time out, but Solskjaer has reminded him of his responsibilites.
Should Man Utd sell Paul Pogba in the January window? Have your say here.
"Paul was here as a kid in the under-18s, we signed him early on, he comes with the Man United DNA in him. He knows what we are about," he said.
"Man United is about being in a team. I would not stand for anyone thinking he is bigger than Man United because no-one is. Absolutely no-one is and Paul knows this. It is not only Paul, it is for all of us.
"Paul has always been an ambitious boy who loves playing football. He trains well, he never refuses to train or play, he has got a good attitude. Of course he wants to do as well as he can when he is in the team, however many minutes he gets on the pitch."
