Marcel Desailly claims ‘lazy’ Paul Pogba ‘cheats a little bit’ in defensive duties for Man United

Marcel Desailly has slammed Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba as a ‘cheat’ when it comes to his defensive responsibilities.

The former French and Chelsea legend believes that is the reason why the 29-year-old was dropped for United’s last-16 second leg defeat to Atletico Madrid, which saw them crash out of the Champions League.

Red Devils boss opted for Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield instead on the World Cup winner.

Pogba (pictured, right) was left out of United’s starting line-up in their 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League

There has long been a narrative that Pogba doesn’t work hard enough, though part of that may be down to his silky style of play as he makes things appear effortless on the pitch even when playing well.

The midfielder has, however, been a key creator for the Red Devils in the Premier League this season, amassing nine assists in just 16 appearances.

Although he did bring Pogba on in mid-way through the second-half to replace Bruno Fernandes. 

‘Quality-wise you cannot compare Pogba to Fred, McTominay or Matic,’ Desailly told beIN Sports.

‘You allow him to be a playmaker behind Ronaldo he will take advantage. 

Marcel Desailly (pictured) insists quality wise you can’t compare Pogba to Fred and Scott McTominay, but he is lazy, which holds him back

‘When it goes well he is fantastic but if it doesn’t go well, offensively he has not brought what everyone was expecting and at the same time he will cheat a little bit.

‘He will not drop back and help the midfield with the defensive intensity the team is looking for.’

Fred and Scott McTominay although reasonably solid defensively, failed to inspire United to victory, and perhaps Pogba could have done exactly that if given more time on the pitch.

The French international has had a rollercoaster stint throughout his United career, which could come to a close in the summer, when his contract expires.

Pogba’s personal trainer has confirmed the midfielder will leave Old Trafford in June to seek a new challenge. 

Pogba’s trainer – referred to as ‘Coach Maddy’ (left) – insists the midfielder will move in the summer

The Frenchman has been heavily linked with an exit, with the likes of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain on high alert with his big-money deal set to expire in June.   

Speaking of the midfielder’s immediate future, Maddy, told Calciomercato: ‘Regarding Pogba, at the end of June he will no longer be a Manchester United player.

‘I think it is right for him to look elsewhere, perhaps Manchester also wants to renew themselves and the most sensible thing is to separate.

‘The time will come to change and try new challenges, new emotions, new environments for both Pogba and Manchester, to try something different and maybe they will both be happy.

‘Right now I think he’s enjoying himself, they have a good team, especially since [Cristiano] Ronaldo decided to return. The problem is that the results don’t come.

‘A top player doesn’t waste his time on minor competitions, he wants to be motivated to play for ambitious trophies.’