Pogba shouldn’t shoulder all the blame for Man Utd’s failings – Robson

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson feels that Paul Pogba fields unjust levels of criticism when the Old Trafford club are misfiring.

Jose Mourinho’s side have made a slow start to the season, earning just a couple of victories from their four Premier League matches to date.

Amid a beginning to the campaign that has been punctuated by claims that there is a rift between the Portuguese and his captain – those vehemently rejected by the manager – Pogba has been a target for critics.

Robson, who played for the Red Devils from 1981 until 1994, says that the World Cup winner, who was subject to interest from Barcelona this summer, is treated unjustly.

“There is a little bit of unfair criticism for me about Paul. Every time Manchester United don't play well and get a poor result, it always seems to be Paul who gets most of the criticism,” he said as Manchester was named the Greatest Sporting City 2018.

“If I just look at one game this season when we were really poor, our worst game of the season - against Brighton - there were a lot of other players who have to take responsibility. Not just Paul.”

If the Old Trafford side are to turn things around and challenge for the title, which was won by Manchester City last term, Robson has called for unity.

“Within a football club you've all got to get on well together. You don't have to be friends but, after getting off to a slow start, that's the time when you all pull together,” he stressed.

“You've got to have belief in your team-mates and in yourself. You've got to start raising your own game.

“It's not all about having a go at people, it's about encouraging your team-mates as well. That's really important for me in football that, as team-mates, you've got a responsibility in the dressing room to have a go at each other if you think somebody is being lazy or slacking in training.

“If somebody's been brilliant, you praise them. You try to then get more out of them.”

After the international break, Man Utd tackle Watford in the Premier League before facing Young Boys in the Champions League.