Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has questioned Paul Pogba's suitability for the Premier League, while saying he expects the Frenchman to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Pogba's second stint at Old Trafford hasn't been as successful as hoped after his club-record move from Juventus in 2016, failing to win a single trophy since the 2017 Europa League. The World Cup winner was part of a United side beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday, further denting their top four hopes, and looks to be on the way out when his contract expires in the summer.
Meulensteen, who has managed top-flight clubs in a number of countries, was a coach at Man Utd when Pogba left for the first time back in 2012. And now, as the midfielder's second stint draws to a close, the Dutchman has delivered some strong words.
"Failure is a big word but has Pogba lived up to the expectations? I don’t think so," Meulensteen, who has been linked with a return to Man Utd if Erik ten Hag is confirmed as manager, told Stadium Astro. "He knew what the expectations were when he came back, to compete for the Premier League and the Champions League.
"Not everything has clicked with the players around him or the system," the 58-year-old continued. "Does he actually suit the Premier League?
‘What frustrated me a little bit is Paul has never really outspoken his commitment to United. He’s never came out there and said he’s going to stay and bring United back to where they belong.
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"There’s always been issues over his future and that doesn’t sit well with the fans. It’s not just one player though, there’s many more issues that need to be addressed before United are going to get back on the right track.
"Since he’s come back it hasn’t really happened for him or Manchester United. I think he will leave now."
Meulensteen's words come amid Mirror Football exclusively revealing United will let six out-of-contract players leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. Pogba will be followed out of the door by Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Lee Grant and Tahith Chong, with a busy summer in store..
A number of other players are believed to be keen to move on, but some of United's summer business may hinge on the preferences of their new manager. Ten Hag is expected to be confirmed in the role, and the Ajax boss will no doubt have some of his own targets as well as a handful of players currently at United who he's less keen on.
