Wayne Rooney insists that only Paul Pogba is responsible for his form at Manchester United and not manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho refused on Friday to elaborate on Pogba's comments that his attitude 'was not right' during last Sunday's 3-2 defeat away at Brighton.
Mourinho has faced criticism in the past for not managing to get Pogba to replicate his performances for the France national team.
But Rooney, who scored 253 goals for United over a 13-year period in which he captained the side, believes it is up to Pogba himself to reach the levels expected of him.
'Paul’s a fantastic player and he has to do it for himself I think,' Rooney told CNN World Sport.
'You hear a lot of people saying Jose Mourinho needs to get the best out of him but he needs to do it for himself and prove he’s at that level to help Man United.
'If they’re going to win the title, he’ll be the main player in terms of them doing that.'
Rooney also believes that Pogba isn't helped by the fanfare that surrounds him, which is built up by his agent, Mino Raiola.
Rooney said: 'Surrounding him is a lot of publicity. If Jose can get the best out of Paul this season, that will be a huge plus for United and a step in the right direction of winning the title.
Cayabcmprs
50
Jose Mourinho's attitude towards Pogba has everything to do with Pogba's football mental state . Just like a boxer's corner in a title fight , as observers of the fight the corner sees what weaknesses the opponent displays . Commonsense dictates that proper instructions be given to the players and not negative comments and blame games . The players mental state and physical exertion constitutes 70% of his responsibility and the coach contributes 30% in extracting the winning mentality . A plyer is as good as his coach . Can Wayne Rooney explain why was Pogba so good when playing for other teams and helped France to win the World Cup and is inconsistent under Jose Mourinho ? . Why can't he replicate the same form under Mourinho ? . There is the psychological part Mr Rooney even in football , please bear that in mind . Mourinho is responsible for that aspect . He is responsible for Pogba's appro5and playing attitude . Stop defending this failing coach , period .
calvinrashy
42
When Fergie was still our coach, Van Persie said something that went like this,' Fergie always made you express yourself, when we were losing at half time, he would come in and say 'come on guys look at me a 70-year old watching football like this, try a dribble, a pass over 40 meters' he always made you express yourself.' Judging from that, Sir Alex Ferguson trusted our players and now we have a better squad, but Mourinho doesn't trust ours now. He makes you feel like you have every reason to fear the opponents, to do exactly what he says but not to express yourself. I support Mourinho, he is a great coach, unlike the rest I don't hate him, I just hate his playing style, he should change for the better.
unyiarch
39
I quite agree with Rooney. Every great player must prove himself no matter the circumstance, that's what makes a player great in the first place. Man U need leadership on the pitch right now and Pogba should stand up and be counted. He should learn to talk less to the press and focus on how to help translate the coach game plan to every member of the squad. The pundits should also lessen pressure on Mourinho and ManU since the season has just started and everyone is learning the best way to structure their team for success. Up United!
somemoore
22
I think we are trying to use this very player "POGBA" to outweigh the coach which is very unlikely and degrading. He's not the only player that's been shredded for not performing well hence his world record signing sum. Why should his be an exception? is he now running the club or what. we all saw the last match against Brington; he personally spoiled the match,dragging the game backwards without an attentive position throughout the game thereby making Martial,Lukaku and Matta redundant in the game. He should better be humble and play real football like his peers. HE CAN NEVER OUTSHINE HIS MASTER