Manchester United: Roy Keane blasts star, calls him ’schoolboy’

Manchester United paid a world record 89 million to bring Paul Pogba from Juventus in the summer of 2017 as the Red Devils looked for a revolution under Jose Mourinho. The Frenchman, however, has never looked completely at ease upon his return to Old Trafford – churning out inconsistent performances at best.

The 25-year-old has failed to make a real mark in the league and has been left out of the side time and again. He was in fact on the bench for both of United’s Round of 16 Champions League tie.

And now after nearing two seasons at the top his commitment to the cause has been questioned by a number of former United greats.

Speaking about the situation, Manchester United legend and former skipper Roy Keane stated, “When I played for Manchester United, when you put on the jersey you felt great and enjoyed the history and the pressure and the badge and the expectation.

"I get the impression that this United team, they don't seem to be enjoying the pressure or expectation.

"The manager will take responsibility. When you see him interviewed after the game, I don't think he was shocked because he's working with the players every day. He knows they are short to be one of the best teams in Europe. He knows that.

"United have had trouble the last three or four years and they need some more players, and I know some will say that's not always the answer, especially if he's a great coach. You've got to work with what you've got and they are short three or four players.

"Some of the players playing for United now aren't good enough but it's not their fault.

"If you're selected, you're going to play for United, but they are short at the top level and their record will tell you that."

A "big problem"

The Frenchman, Keane believes is a “big problem” in the Manchester United side as he keeps failing to get into the starting XI at Old Trafford. He referred to the Frenchman’s impact and reactions in the game against Sevilla – which saw the English giants being dumped out of the Champions League in unceremonious fashion.

"He's not the only problem," Keane added. "But he is a big problem and if he can't get in the starting XI you're in trouble.

"He's come on and you expect good players to affect the game.

"He came on and did nothing. His reaction to the goal is like a schoolboy. He doesn't smell danger."

While Manchester United are odd on favourite to clinch a Champions League spot in the Premier League, the season will go down as a sombre affair with United failing to mount a challenge for silverware.

Mourinho is certainly not set to get the axe after being handed a new contract earlier this season. His future, however, is sure to hang on how the club performs next season and the performance of Pogba in the coming days may have a lot to do with it.

Thus, it is high time that the Portuguese finds a system to bring out the best in Pogba while the Frenchman himself has to stand up and deliver.