Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra has defended Paul Pogba from his critics by suggesting that Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku have performed worse than he has and not been singled out.
Pogba’s commitment to the club has been questioned in recent weeks after the Frenchman’s form tailed off towards the end of the campaign following an exceptional run after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was initially appointed as manager.
The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer to link up with his compatriot Zinedine Zidane and speculation over his future has led to further alienation between himself and United’s supporters.
However, Evra believes that Pogba – a former teammate of his for Juventus and the French national team – has borne the brunt of unfair criticism considering his goalscoring record last season.
In a video posted on social media, Evra said: ‘Players have to step up. I said to Paul ‘do you think it’s normal that you are the best scorer?’ Best [most] assists, I understand, but best scorer? What about Jesse Lingard? What about Marcus [Rashford]? What about Romelu [Lukaku]?
‘I was like ‘Paul, go in front of them and say really guys? I’m scoring more goals than you.’ That’s what I said to Paul.’
He added: ‘I’m telling the truth, a lot of players have been worse than Paul.’
Pogba topped United’s goalscoring charts in the Premier League with 13 – seven of which came via the penalty spot – as well as for assists with nine and his performances resulted in a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Nevertheless, his stock has fallen in the eyes of some supporters and he was involved in a tense altercation with some following United’s dismal 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City at Old Trafford on the final day of the season.
Paul Pogba clashed with a section of angry Manchester United fans after their defeat to Cardiff ??? pic.twitter.com/PCUiCZRxcK
— Metro Sport (@Metro_Sport) May 12, 2019
Evra also spoke to Gary Neville on Sky Sports to discuss Pogba, saying: ‘It’s not like I am protecting Paul but when there are incidents like yesterday with the fan, they are killing Paul.
‘He has the most goals, most assists. I know you can question his leadership and in the last few games you want more, so that’s why you can criticise him right now, but overall he has been the best player this season.
‘Just because it’s Paul Pogba, he has haircuts, he dances, his Instagram and everything, people will criticise him while forgetting the player that he is. Only him and De Gea can play in a big team in Europe.’
