A former Manchester United defender, Paul Parker has slammed Pogba and questioned his role claiming that Chelsea and Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel is a better holding midfielder than the French International.
United’s new recruit is set to make his debut against Southampton on Friday after being suspended for the first game of the season,
But Parker is doubtful if he can play the defensive midfield role in this Manchester United team.
“Can he be as good as Roy Keane or Bryan Robson? I wonder about him playing that midfield role,” said Parker, speaking exclusively to 888Sport.
“I worry about him making tackles and getting across to close players down because he is rangy. He doesn’t have quick feet and his game is about going to ground. That’s going to be a problem.
“In a holding position it would be a waste because he’s not a Makelele or even a John Obi Mikel because one thing Mikel can do is close people down. Pogba can get forward, and score goals, and pass the ball but in a high-tempo game he won’t be very good in a deep role.
“We saw that in the Euros where he looked lost for long periods of games when France didn’t have the ball. So when United don’t have the ball what’s he going to be like? Fellaini can’t do that either. Or Rooney. They can’t get around. Behind Ibrahimovic and Martial there will be changes because there is no way that midfield can last.”