Paul Pogba needs to add a defensive element to his game, according to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. The former Chelsea midfielder could ‘damage’ Manchester United without having a defensive side.
Speculation has been rife that Pogba is unhappy playing under Jose Mourinho. The Manchester United manager had to defend his relationship with Pogba to the media recently.
Due to Pogba’s poor performances in recent weeks, Mourinho dropped him from the Red Devils team against Huddersfield in the FA Cup. According to reports, Pogba was left out of the side due to illness.
Lampard, who played under Mourinho, believes Pogba needs to adapt to the manager’s playing style if he is to be a success at Manchester United.
“Whether you are picked to play in a two-man midfield or three, you have to have defensive discipline, particularly in big games in the Champions League or away to a team like Tottenham at Wembley,” Lampard said in an interview with the Evening Standard.
“I used to play in a three-man midfield mostly, but I was also in a two for the last few years of my time at Chelsea and throughout my England career.
“You know when you go into a bigger game that you have to have extra discipline because of what your opponent can do to you.
“So no-one can switch off or have moments out of position. It will damage the team. Pogba has to recognise that because he has moments of amazing ability on the ball.
“He just has to learn that defensive side of the game. It is something that has to be addressed.”
Pogba is expected to play against Sevilla in Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 match.
Pogba has been linked with a possible move away from Old Trafford recently. The player’s relationship with Mourinho is thought to be the reason why he could leave for pastures new. However, Manchester United would expect a world-record fee for the midfielder.
Is Paul Pogba fulfilling his potential at Manchester United? Is Mourinho right to play him out of position?
