Wayne Rooney rated Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as the best player at Euro 2020 before France's shock exit.
Pogba put in a serene performance in France's last 16 clash against Switzerland, scoring a stunning long-range goal, before Les Bleus were stunned as they squandered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 — and eventually lost on penalties.
United star Pogba was the subject of much discussion, with former Old Trafford skipper Roy Keane criticising his role in one of the goals France conceded. Others, however, have lavished the 28-year-old with praise.
And Rooney is among them, arguing in his Sunday Times column that Pogba was the standout player at the tournament, believing he can do more damage for United playing in a deeper position.
“Like a lot of people, I fancied the French to be champions and as a team they were a massive disappointment,” Rooney said.
“That was a particular shame for Paul Pogba. He had been the player of the tournament until they went out.
“Some of the passes Paul played for Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe were incredible. It helped him to have N’Golo Kante as his midfield partner but I think the biggest reason that Paul’s performances were so good was his positioning.
“In all France’s games, he was playing deeper than we normally see him for Manchester United and this meant that he was able to pick the ball up in areas of the pitch where he had the time and room to pick a pass.”
Pogba's situation at United is currently in a state of flux. He has one year remaining on his contract and has been heavily linked with a move away this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side risk losing Pogba on a free in 2022 when his deal expires, unless they can cash in this summer or persuade the World Cup winner to agree to new terms.
