Paul Pogba transfer: Manchester United great Patrice Evra predicts friend will leave Old Trafford

Evra, who claims to 'advise Paul every day', believes the midfielder will leave Old Trafford

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Tuesday 14 May 2019 10:08 BST
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Patrice Evra believes that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United this summer as fan criticism is “killing” the midfielder.

Pogba was confronted by supporters at Old Trafford after their humiliating defeat to relegated Cardiff City on Sunday’s final day of the Premier League season.

Members of the crowd heckled Pogba during United’s end-of-season lap of honour, with some suggesting he should be sold by Real Madrid.

Pogba protested and exchanged heated words with some fans in Old Trafford’s Stretford End before eventually returning to the dressing room.

Evra is a close friend of Pogba’s, having played together at United and Juventus and at international level with France.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the left-back said that United’s top scorer should not be the one criticised for a disappointing campaign.

“It’s not like I am protecting Paul but when there are incidents like yesterday with the fan, they are killing Paul,” Evra said.

“He has the most goals, most assists. I know you can question his leadership and in the last few games you want more, so that’s why you can criticise him right now, but overall he has been the best player this season.

“Just because it’s Paul Pogba, he has haircuts, he dances, his Instagram and everything, people will criticise him while forgetting the player that he is. Only him and [David] De Gea can play in a big team in Europe.”

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Pogba is understood to be keen to leave United, with Real Madrid his most likely destination, though the United hierarchy have always been adamant that the 26-year-old will not be allowed to go.

Evra, who claims to “advise Paul every day”, predicts that his friend will attempt to walk out of Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

“I think he will leave because you need to feel the love when you play somewhere, you need to be committed,” he said.

“If Paul decides to stay another year and then leave, or stay another few years, maybe the fans will love him because he is committed. The United fans love you when you say you are committed.

“When I go to the game and I see fans shouting and swearing at players, I am in shock. In my time, you can play the worst game of your life and they will clap you.

“I remember losing 4-1 at home to Liverpool and they were still singing. That’s the United fans I know – they’ve just had enough.

“I don’t talk for Paul, whether he stays or leaves, but when you have negativity around you, you should leave.”

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