CARRAGHER – POGBA IS A LIABILITY

Premier League legend and Sky Sport pundit Jamie Carragher has said that Manchester United summer marquee addition Paul Pogba is a defensive liability.

The Red Devils were gifted a clear chance to make the top four but they were lacklustre in their game against Bournemouth.

“He’s not a game changer. It was a signal of their intentions to spend £90 million on someone I would say isn’t a finished article,” Chelsea legend Frank Lampard said in his criticism of Pogba after the game.

United were forced to a 1-1 draw that would likely see them finish outside of the top four this season.

“He hasn’t quite delivered and he hasn’t been a game-changer,” Lampard added.

When Carragher had his turn to speak, he was unsparing in his criticism.

“He’s still nowhere near good enough and hasn’t got the discipline. He’s a liability defensively. What he does give you is a fantastic passing range. There’s no doubt he has a great relationship with [Zlatan] Ibra[himovic],” the Reds legend said.

Many have criticised the role in which Coach Jose Mourinho is using the Frenchman. The Portuguese tactician has been playing him as a deep lying player in a two-man midfield. United were not convincing in their win over Southampton in the EFL Cup final and they have not shown the required sense of urgency that would help them get a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

“Pogba has the ability to score and create goals, but from the position he’s in, it’s a long way to go. If he’s not close enough, he’s not going to get numbers as high as he should. It’s a problem for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho,” Lampard opined.

The pundits added that Mourinho would have to switch to a three-man midfield, especially if he would not use a second striker. There is talk of Antoine Greizmann coming during the summer, and he would likely play behind Ibrahimovic. Pogba could also play out wide or play in a free central role but one thing is sure; Mourinho would need to change things to get the results.