Joleon Lescott insists Jose Mourinho is restricting Paul Pogba’s influence on the pitch
Joleon Lescott believes Manchester United are misusing key midfielder Paul Pogba and insists if he was used better he ‘has the potential to be what he wants’.
Pogba re-joined the Red Devils from Juventus back in 2016 and has gone on to make 73 appearances for the club.
The France international played a pivotal role in guiding Jose Mourinho’s side to Europa League glory last season but Lescott is adamant his role in the side needs to change if he is to continue being successful.
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‘Playing him in one position to allow him to enhance United’s performances would help him,’ said Lescott on Sky Sports’ Debate show. ‘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.
‘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.’
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Lescott also believes he has all the ability to influence games if Mourinho utilises his skill set correctly.
‘Having watched him on a regular basis, I think he’s more a creative player than a destructive one,’ Lescott added.
‘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.’
Manchester United travel to Newcastle to take on Rafa Benitez’s side on February 11.
MORE: Mourinho hits out at pundits over Pogba’s best position
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