Manchester United

Graeme Souness: 'Paul Pogba lacks basic understanding'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 06 December 2017

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness questions the hype surrounding Paul Pogba by claiming that the Manchester United midfielder fails to perform in the big matches.

Graeme Souness has criticised Manchester United star Paul Pogba for his 'lack of basic understanding' when it comes to operating in midfield.

The France international has been widely praised since returning from injury last month, particularly impressing in the 3-1 win over Arsenal last weekend.

Liverpool legend Souness has once again questioned the hype surrounding Pogba, however, claiming that the £89m midfielder needs to do far more in high-profile matches to justify his hefty price tag.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster TV3, Souness said: "When he is on the ball, there's lots of things to admire. He's powerful, he's got good technique, he can wrong foot people, he can ping the ball.

"This isn't me being an ex-Liverpool player caning a Man United player. I thought the same when he was a Juventus player. That is basic stuff you learn in the youth team. He's 24 years old if he's not got it now when is he gonna get it?

"He hasn't taken a big game by the scruff of the neck and dominated it. He hasn't got a basic understanding of his position, I can't see that changing."

Pogba has six assists and three goals in 11 appearances for United in the Champions League and Premier League this term.