Paul Pogba Talks Criticism Ahead of Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has said he believes he is judged differently from other midfielders in the Premier League. 

Talking ahead of the Red Devils' clash with Arsenal on Sunday, the France international spoke out about the intense scrutiny he has been under since his £89 million return to Old Trafford in 2016 and why he, unlike others in his position, is judged on goals and assists, per Sky Sports' Oliver Yew:

"It's quite funny because we don't judge me on the midfield part. We judge me on assists and goals, and that's the truth. I can make an outstanding game, but if I don't score or make an assist they will say, 'that is normal', or whatever. But if someone else does it, it is different. They will maybe be man of the match.

"I think I'm judged differently, but it's good. It makes me improve as well, it is a challenge for me, and I take it in a good way. I don't take it in a bad way. I'll try to score and make assists and that's it. I still want to do my job in midfield."

Pogba, 25, has blown hot and cold for United again this season, producing some poor performances alongside impressive showings.

He has been in particularly fine form recently, playing key roles in wins over Manchester City, Bournemouth and in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

In a fine example of how frustrating a player Pogba can be, though, in the midst of that trio of excellent showings came a sluggish performance against West Bromwich Albion, which drew strong criticism from former United star Paul Scholes on BT Sport:

Pogba's range of attributes make him almost impossible to handle when he is on top form, and he is capable of creating and scoring goals.

His statistics for the 2017-18 Premier League season are impressive, not least as his return of 10 assists is bettered by just three other players—City trio Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Leroy Sane—all of whom have played significantly more minutes.

The former Juventus man has also netted five goals, two of which came against City as United recovered from 2-0 down at the Etihad Stadium to win 3-2.

In the fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in December, Pogba endured a mixed performance as he provided two assists in the 3-1 United win before being sent off.

Sunday's clash at Old Trafford should be an intriguing occasion, not least as it will be Arsene Wenger's last visit to the stadium as Gunners manager.

United will be eager for victory as they look to shore up second spot in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see what kind of team Wenger puts out given Arsenal have their crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid just four days later.