Paul Pogba Questions Criticism of Rashford, Lingard, Sancho, and Himself

Paul Pogba Questions Criticism of Rashford, Lingard, Sancho, and Himself

Paul Pogba has addressed the intense criticism that he, along with Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, and Jadon Sancho, have faced during their time at Manchester United. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Pogba suggested that the scrutiny might not be solely based on performances but potentially influenced by other factors.

"Me, Rashford, Lingard, Sancho... why the criticism? For the performances or something else?" Pogba questioned, raising the possibility that the negative attention directed towards them could go beyond what they achieve on the pitch.

Pogba, who spent six years at United before his return to Juventus, was no stranger to the media spotlight and heavy criticism during his time at Old Trafford. He acknowledged the pressure of playing for a club as massive as Manchester United, saying: "I think you are in the biggest club in England with a lot of fans, and they need to say something, I guess!"

This isn't the first time Pogba has spoken about the challenges of dealing with the expectations that come with playing for United. He has often been the target of media scrutiny, as have his former teammates Rashford, Lingard, and Sancho. Each of these players has faced their own battles with form and public perception, which Pogba suggests might sometimes go beyond their performances on the pitch.

The Broader Conversation on Player Criticism

Pogba’s remarks reignite the ongoing discussion about the high levels of pressure that players at elite clubs like Manchester United experience. For players like Rashford, Lingard, and Sancho, who have had their ups and downs, the weight of expectation can often lead to unfair or disproportionate criticism.

Lingard faced years of harsh critique before his resurgence at West Ham, while Sancho’s situation has been complicated by limited form and off-field matters. Rashford, despite his positive impact both on and off the field, has also experienced media scrutiny throughout his career.

Pogba's comments suggest that for players at such a globally followed club, the criticism can often be relentless, regardless of whether it’s fully justified by their performances.

As Pogba continues his career at Juventus, his words serve as a reminder of the challenges that players face under the microscope at one of the world's biggest football clubs.