The former Red Devils midfielder believes a player who continues to divide opinion would be more consistent if surrounded by more talented colleagues
Paul Pogba deserves better than what Manchester United are currently offering, says Paul Ince, with a man being linked with a move to Real Madrid needing more “class players” around him.
The World Cup-winning midfielder has taken in another inconsistent campaign at Old Trafford.
He was said to be among those who suffered a breakdown in their working relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho, leading to questions over his value and future.
A welcome return to prominence was enjoyed when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the reins, with a flurry of goals and assists earning favour and praise once more.
There has been another dip from the 26-year-old since then, with two forgettable Champions League performances put in during a quarter-final clash with Barcelona.
Exit talk has again been sparked around the France international, but Ince believes the key to keeping a prized asset at United and on top of his game is to surround him with better team-mates.
The former Red Devils midfielder told Paddy Power of the recent criticism and what needs to be done: “People will talk about Paul Pogba and say he should’ve done more.
“But, there’s only so much he can do when he’s surrounded by the kind of players he is. If he was surrounded by class players, you’d get to see the real Pogba.
“I was fortunate enough to play with the likes of Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Eric Cantona – world class players – and they make everyone play better.
“United can’t just rely on Pogba and expect that he will do everything, people have to pull their weight and be great around him.
“Pogba needs and deserves to be in a team full of top players, and I don’t believe that’s Man United at the minute.
“When they’re in the Champions League you realise that a lot of their players just aren’t good enough.
“You look at Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard when they’re playing lower opposition and they look great – but the fact is, they’re miles behind the top players.
“And when you’ve not got many players at the top of their game, who are consistently brilliant, you will keep getting results like we saw [against Barcelona]. They’re being found out.”
Pogba and United have now seen their focus narrowed on a top-four bid in the Premier League.
Chima92
70
Paul Ince! u lack wisdom in making ur comments in an appropriate manner without disrespecting the club u once played 4. i haven't seen a former United player who speak against Man Utd like Paul Ince does, its almost like he never played 4 the club. yes Man Utd need good players no doubt but ur consistent ill comments abt ur former club is sickening! i suggest u Shut Up n let Ole do his job cos u will never achieve 1/4 of what Ole has achieved in Man Utd.
godykemanutd
66
Sometimes i don't understand some comments from people, When Pogba plays well, people will praise him to the last forgetting that players playing with him are not good enough then when he plays bad, they will then remember that players around Pogba are not good enough. I see that excuse as nonsense. I have been watching football for so long and i have come to realised that When a big player don't play well, is not about those playing with him rather is about that particular player, sometimes, their confidence will be low or just dip in form and another which is if he is been played out of position. i have never see a player playing well and then gone bad and the started blaming players around him. Is still the same players who where playing with him when he was playing well and scoring goals so why are we blaming them then when Pogba is no longer playing well .Those players we are blaming can not play for Pogba. i don't know why we keeping blaming other for Pogba's failure, First Pogba with the same set of players, We blamed Jose Mourinho and accused him of making Pogba to play badly, We did not blame the players then but the coach then OGS was appointed to replace Jose and Pogba started playing well again in fact in more than12 consecutive Matches Pogba was excellent with this same players around him. I have said this many times, Problem of Pogba is Pogba himself. Pogba was playing well till the day he made that comment of wanting to play for Zidane then he started playing like SH**T again. The same thing happened under Jose Paul was playing well and Sanchez was bought then Pogba faded away meaning he wants something. Now is happening again and i think he still want something again probably he wants to join Real Madrid and he is doing all he can to give Manchester United reason to let him go.
Reddevilsalways
38
Paul ince always so hard since ole took charge..So it's best to ignore him till this season is over..He is not doing any good for team nowadays always speaking nonsense about players and United..
Faebilrsyz
36
prime example about mercenaries. how many watched the reaction from the media centre when rashford scored against psg.. rio,hargraves and even Gary L jumping up and down yet a guy employed by mufc payed a lot sat there like a rabbit in headlights Could u feel the hate the player??? micky owen. support Utd through good and bad. cuz it's a mixture.. GGMU...