Pogba can’t be ‘Keane, Veron, Scholes, Giggs, Cantona in one’

Matt Stead

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Paul Pogba is not “Roy Keane, Veron, Scholes, Giggs and Cantona in one player”.

Pogba has come in for predictable and rather tiresome criticism for his penalty miss against Wovles on Monday, having persuaded Marcus Rashford to let him take the spot kick.

The Frenchman registered two assists in a fine performance on the opening day against Chelsea but continues to be scrutinised as the European transfer window approaches its final week.

Solskjaer hopes Pogba will receive the support of Manchester United fans when they face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

“We can all see Paul was disappointed when he missed the penalty,” said Solskjaer. “He doesn’t deserve this.

“He gives his absolutely everything for the club every week. I know people expect him to do absolutely everything on a football pitch. He’s got so many qualities. We’re seeing different qualities from Paul this year compared to last season and he’s a leader in the group. I expect the fans to be behind him.”

Pogba has become a lightning rod for the problems at Old Trafford, while his £89million price tag has brought huge expectations.

“He expects a lot from himself as well,” said Solskjaer when asked whether Pogba is unfairly judged.

“It doesn’t frustrate me. We expect a lot from him but we know that we can’t get Roy Keane, Veron, Scholes, Giggs and Cantona in one player. It’s hard. He’s a top, top player.

“We do expect a lot from our players and we have high hopes this season. Hopefully we can be consistent and challenge when we come to April and May, and Paul plays a big part in that.”