Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand is a “big fan” of the “top-class” Paul Pogba and he believes the criticism the Frenchman receives is due to the high standards he sets.
After being out of action since November, following the thigh injury he sustained whilst being on international duty with France, Pogba started two matches in the space of five days.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick started the World Cup winner in the penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday night, and with Fred ruled out due to testing positive for Covid-19, the German started the Frenchman in last night’s 1-1 draw at Burnley.
United’s number six opened the scoring at Turf Moor with a clinical right-footed finish into the top corner. It was his first Premier League goal in 13 months.
The Red Devils couldn’t hold onto the three points, but Crerand has been impressed with Pogba’s return from injury.
Speaking via the club’s official website, Crerand said: “I’m a big fan of Paul Pogba’s. You don’t win the World Cup with France and not be a top-class player, and that’s what he is, a top-class player.
“The thing with Paul is he’s set a standard for himself, which is very, very high indeed.
“And if you slip below that standard… his standard, you’ll still be the best player on the pitch but people won’t recognise you for that.
“People look at your highest standard and want you to do that all the time, but that’s not possible.
“He’s a top-quality player, there’s no question about that and he’s done well in the last two games.”
After netting his first goal since April for the Red Devils, when celebrating Pogba pointed to the Manchester United dugout whilst holding up three fingers.
When asked on BT Sport by host Jake Humphrey what Pogba’s celebration meant, Rio Ferdinand said: “Three more years [at United] I’d say.”
Not being able to resist from making a tongue-in-cheek comment, Peter Crouch immediately responded with: “Three more weeks.”
Pogba’s United contract expires in June and it’s looking increasingly likely he will leave the club on a free transfer for the second time in his career.
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