Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has criticised the performance of Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, following the Red Devils’ 4-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Merson condemned Pogba’s display against Frank Lampard’s men, adding that the France World Cup winner needs to step up his game.
According to him, the former Juventus star lost the midfield battle to Chelsea despite providing two assists during the encounter.
Two goals from Marcus Rashford and a strike from Anthony Martial and Daniel James gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side all three points against the Blues.
“Everybody was raving about Pogba. I don’t know which game I was watching, but I can’t remember him being involved in the first 60 or so minutes. He didn’t take control of the game,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“When they went 2-0 up, United were like the Harlem Globetrotters, with everybody rolling their foot over the ball and Chelsea capitulated. I didn’t think his performance was great; he made a few flicks, and gave the ball away a bit.
“But as David Platt said many years ago to me, people never remember the first 25 minutes of a football match. They only remember the end.
“I just thought he played within himself. I always watch him and think: “Come on, there’s loads more here, you could bully this game.”
Merson added: “He’s a good player, a top player, a World Cup winner. Pogba may have assisted twice but Chelsea won the midfield battle at Old Trafford.
“For me, I just always find there’s that little bit more needed. He always plays so casually, so cool, and nothing fazes him.
“If he gives it away, he just carries on the way he is. I still think there is a lot more to come from him. I don’t think he’s near what we saw at the World Cup.”
Man United will take on Wolves in their next Premier League fixture on August 19.
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