Friday 9 February 2018 23:06, UK
Jose Mourinho needs to play Paul Pogba in a more consistent role in Manchester United’s midfield to get the best out of him, says Joleon Lescott.
United legend Ryan Giggs was among the experts who suggested that Pogba could be deployed in a more aggressive manner but Jose Mourinho does not agree, saying he is best deployed as a midfielder.
Speaking on The Debate, Lescott said: "Playing him in one position to allow him to enhance United's performances would help him - I don't they are doing at the moment.
"One week he's playing one role, then he's playing a deeper role or a wider role. That's not helping him as he faces a lot of criticism due to his price tag. It would help him if he knew where he was going to play for the next few weeks and then he can perfect that position.
"He can play a defensive role but those types of players don't enjoy it as much. You won't get the best out of him. As a player, the more comfortable you feel in a position the better you'll perform."
Fellow guest on The Debate, Danny Murphy, was in agreement with Giggs' view of wanting to see Pogba play further up the field on the left of a midfield three or just behind the strikers.
"Having watched him on a regular basis, I think he's more a creative player than a destructive one," he said.
"He can defend the ball but he doesn't naturally defend - he's not a danger spotter putting out fires. He wants to go and make things happen.
"I'd like to go and see him be able to influence games and win football matches for his team. He's more than capable of doing that. Then I'd put a couple more defensive minded players around him - like Fernandinho does at Manchester City - that would allow Pogba to go."Pogba has the potential to be what he wants to be."
