Dimitar Berbatov has urged Manchester United not to sell Paul Pogba in the summer, believing that the enigmatic Frenchman is not the biggest problem at the club right now.
Pogba has again come in for criticism during a sticking run of form for United and his selection in the PFA Team of the Year prompted a backlash from fans and pundits.
that the 26-year-old could leave United for Real Madrid in the summer, former United striker Berbatov has questioned why Pogba receives so much flak.
“Why is Pogba the problem?" the Bulgarian said in an interview with The Sun.
“They criticise some players more than others, which is unfair. You cannot escape criticism in one form or another — we all have phones and are on social media.
“Even if you are mentally strong the critics can get in your head. But when everyone is attacking you, we are all humans so it can affect your game.
“He’s not a robot, but if you don’t feel appreciated, what do you do? Go somewhere else."
Berbatov was no stranger to criticism during his four-year stay at Old Trafford, but overcame the doubters to score a Golden Boot-winning 20 goals in the 2010/11 season.
And he believes Pogba should stay with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, enhance his United reputation and grow as a footballer.
“But leaving would be a mistake," added Berbatov.
"I really hope Ole will tell Pogba he will build the team around him to give him the confidence to perform at his best.
“I have first-hand experience of how good Pogba can be when he trained with us as kid and he is a good boy as well.
“Pogba needs to know he has a player to cover his back, he needs to have the freedom to make decisive passes. It doesn’t matter if he makes mistakes as he is trying difficult passes.”
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