Owen Hargreaves has urged Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to keep the faith with Paul Pogba against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.The Frenchman has been heavily criticised in recent weeks for his poor performances in the middle of the park, most recently during United’s 2-2 draw at Southampton on Saturday.The World Cup winner was guilty of relinquishing possession on a number of occasions, while also offering little in attacking situations as Mourinho’s men dropped eight points behind Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Man Utd ready to spend big on Sancho and Haaland in January Who is Marcus Thuram? Lilian’s son who is top of the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach Brazil, beware! Messi and Argentina out for revenge after Copa controversy Best player in MLS? Zlatan wasn’t even the best player in LA! A win against the Gunners could close that gap significantly and, ahead of the huge clash at Old Trafford, former United midfielder Hargreaves has backed Pogba to retain his place in the starting XI.”He’s their best midfield player, he should start, regardless of what’s going on behind the scenes,” he told BT Sport.”As much as he and the team are struggling, they need him because he’s their best player.”I don’t understand the benefit of having him on the bench.”Hargreaves also discussed Pogba’s overall game in greater detail, suggesting that he and United will have to improve on their recent displays to avoid another disappointing result.”I can’t think of an Arsenal team that can go to Old Trafford and be dubbed as favourites, but Pogba’s display against Southampton along with everyone else was poor,” he added.”When Pogba plays poorly it’s when he takes too many touches. There was frustration on his part and he made some poor decisions.”Arsenal are currently unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions and come into their latest fixture fresh from a thrilling 4-2 derby win against Tottenham last weekend.Meanwhile, United are now without a win in three Premier League games and cannot afford to lose any more ground in the table ahead of a hectic winter schedule. Check out Goal’s Premier League 2019-20 fantasy football podcast for game tips, debate and rivalries.
‘Pogba is Man Utd’s best player – he has to start!’
November 20, 2019