Former Man Utd No2 Rene Meulensteen slams Paul Pogba just days after being linked with Erik ten Hag’s assistant role
RENE MEULENSTEEN has blasted Paul Pogba for not living up to expectations since his big money move from Juventus in 2016.
The comments come just days after Meulensteen was linked with a return to Manchester United as Eric ten Hag's assistant.
The 58-year-old already has Old Trafford experience, having served as Sir Alex Ferguson's No2 between 2007 and 2013.
Ajax boss Ten Hag is expected to be named the Red Devils' new manager from next season after beating out rival Mauricio Pochettino for the job.
The Dutchman is keen to bring in someone with history at United to work with him and compatriot Meulensteen is rumoured to be top of his list.
However, despite the links, Meulensteen on Saturday took aim at the club's superstar midfielder Pogba after the 29-year-old put in another mediocre performance off the bench in United's 1-0 defeat to Everton.
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He questioned whether Pogba was actually suited to the Premier League at all, with the midfielder failing to lead United to a league title in his six-year spell at the club.
Meulensteen told Stadium Astro: "Failure is a big word but has Pogba lived up to the expectations? I don’t think so.
"He knew what the expectations were when he came back, to compete for the Premier League and the Champions League.
"Not everything has clicked with the players around him or the system, does he actually suit the Premier League?"
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Meulensteen went on to add that he never felt Pogba was fully devoted to Manchester United.
He added: "What frustrated me a little bit is Paul has never really outspoken his commitment to United.
"He’s never came out there and said he’s going to bring United back to where they belong."
The ex-United coach however did admit that there have been "issues" with multiple other players, not just Pogba.
But with his contract expiring this summer, and no signs of an extension on the cards, Meulensteen expects him to depart in the upcoming transfer window.
He concluded: "There’s always been issues over his future and that doesn’t sit well with the fans.
"It’s not just one player though, there’s many more issues that need to be addressed before United are going to get back on the right track.
"Since he’s come back it hasn’t really happened for him or United. I think he will leave now."