Griezmann tells Pogba to prove doubters wrong
ANTOINE Griezmann has told Paul Pogba to prove his critics wrong after being dropped by Jose Mourinho – and the midfielder sent the Reds boss a message with his latest performance for France.
Pogba’s United future has been thrown into doubt after being benched in recent weeks.
He is currently on international duty with France where he has held discussions with national coach Didier Deschamps about his situation at Old Trafford.
He bounced back from what was a lacklustre display against Colombia at the weekend by scoring and setting up a goal in the 3-1 win against Russia last night.
Pogba smashed in a beautiful 25-yard free-kick shortly after halftime having already set-up Kylian Mbappe to open the scoring before the break.
After cutting a sullen figure at United of late, it has been noted how relaxed and content he’s been since joining up with his countrymen.
Close friend Griezmann has turned advisor during the most difficult period in Pogba’s career.
The Atletico Madrid forward and long-time United target has told the 25-year-old it is up to him to make a statement on the pitch.
“He came back (to the France squad) with a huge smile on his face,” said Griezmann.
“He was happy. It’s not easy when you don’t play at your club or you don’t feel at your best.
“It happened to me and he knows that. He still enjoys having fun and working hard, which are what matter the most.
“It’s up to him to prove and show that he’s still the player that he can be. The coach here trusts him, like the entire squad. We need a smiling Paul and an efficient one on the pitch.”
Pogba has started just four of United’s last 11 games in all competitions. Notably he was left out of the starting line up for both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie with Sevilla.
Mourinho has dismissed claims of a fall-out with United’s record signing. But his actions have pointed to issues between player and manager.
In recent weeks he claimed only Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku had played to their potential this season – and has increasingly turned to youngster Scott McTominay ahead of £89m Pogba.
Mourinho plans to spend heavily in midfield this summer.
But the club’s hierarchy are determined to see Pogba become an iconic figure given the enormous investment placed in him and his commercial power.
Mourinho, too, still hopes he can get the best out of a player he made it a priority to sign upon taking over at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Mourinho was handed a boost as Anthony Martial played 58 minutes for France last night on his return from injury.
United had been handed a minor scare after the striker missed two days of training with a minor injury last week and he didn’t feature during the 3-2 defeat to Colombia.
However, any worries look to have been resolved as the forward played an instrumental part in the victory.