Now Pogba feels chill from the fans
PAUL POGBA left Old Trafford on Wednesday night wearing the stony expression of a man who continues to be less than happy with life at Manchester United. Asked to comment on his bit part in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, United’s £89million record signing shrugged and asked: ‘What do you want me to say?’ before walking off. Pogba had been on the bench for the second time in four games along with Romelu Lukaku, United’s second most expensive buy.
The Frenchman replaced Jesse Lingard in the 75th minute to a mixed reception and was first to leave afterwards, closely followed by Lukaku.
It was not as if they were being rested for more important games. Arsenal are tougher than bottom-of-the-table Fulham will be tomorrow. United then fly to Valencia for what should be a largely irrelevant final Champions League group game.
Jose Mourinho made a point by dropping his two big names and many feel Pogba was first in the manager’s mind when he accused some players of being afflicted by ‘a virus’ running through United before the limp draw at Southampton. After another careless display, Pogba was told that he would be dropped for the Arsenal game and Mourinho wrote in the match programme: ‘There isn’t space for people not ready to give it their all.’ With Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in attack, and Ander Herrera taking Pogba’s spot in midfield, United showed far more zest.
But with so many games over Christmas, Mourinho must use his squad, so Pogba and Lukaku could be back tomorrow. But Paul Ince, the former United midfielder, believes Mourinho is right to get tough. ‘I’m getting bored of them both,’ said Ince yesterday. ‘The Arsenal game was exciting and fun until those two came on. ‘He did the right thing in dropping Pogba and Lukaku. They don’t seem interested, and they’re not good enough. ‘It’s rare United fans boo a player but they’re sick of Pogba’s behaviour. There are not many that would be sad to see him go.’