Paul Pogba Expectation 'Too Large,' Says France Boss Didier Deschamps

France manager Didier Deschamps has moved to cool expectations on Paul Pogba and insisted the midfielder needs time to settle following his £89 million summer move from Juventus to Manchester United. 

The 23-year-old has yet to hit top form following his world-record transfer back to the club he left in 2012, which has led to frustration at his performances in his first six Premier League appearances in 2016-17.

Deschamps, Pogba's national-team boss, said at a news conference that it will take United's new No. 6 some time to settle in at Old Trafford and preached patience over the young superstar:

"

He has changed his club team and needs to find his bearing with his new team-mates.

With Paul, we always expect more. When he does something neutral, often it is not enough.

He is someone we expect to make assists in every game – there is an expectation that is too large.

Paul is okay in his own head. He knows what he wants.

"

Before leaving to join up with France for their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and the Netherlands, Pogba put in another exasperating showing as United drew 1-1 with Stoke City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

He started the game in sparkling fashion, and his overall play was excellent, per Squawka:

Significantly, though, he missed two gilt-edged chances that could have swung the match in United's favour.

In the first half, he skewed a shot wide after being set through on goal by a brilliant move involving Juan Mata, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jesse Lingard. And with United searching for a winner late on, he rattled the crossbar with a header.

Pogba's only goal so far for United came in their 4-1 drubbing of Premier League champions Leicester City at Old Trafford last month.

The Red Devils netted all their goals in the first half, and Pogba performed brilliantly, showing just how devastating he can be when on top form. 

As far as Deschamps is concerned, it is merely a matter of time before Pogba finds his groove consistently, and United's fans have to be patient.

Football writer Nooruddean Choudry noted that Pogba had a slow start to the 2015-16 season with Juventus, only to go on and enjoy the best season of his career:

Pogba and his United team-mates will return from the international break to a gruelling schedule that sees them visit Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League and host Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League, all inside a week.

There could be no better time for the France international to find his form than arguably United's most crucial seven days of the 2016-17 campaign so far.