Liverpool finished 31 points ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League last season – and that has had a knock-on effect on some of their star players, according to pundit Craig Burley.
Players like Paul Pogba – despite not producing performances to back it up – have seemingly decided to move on from Old Trafford this summer, as they see themselves as being better than the level United are currently at.
As Burley theorised, Pogba just can’t see United catching Liverpool or Manchester City any time soon.
Burley said, via the Daily Express: “If anyone’s surprised he wants to leave, then I’m surprised that they’re surprised! I’m not surprised that he wants out.
“The club doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. They’ve named a manager who isn’t [established], they’ve not made any signings and don’t look like they’re going to be making much headway, certainly early in the transfer market.
“So, therefore, he’s thinking, ‘Well are we going to track down Liverpool and Man City or am I going to have another year of a couple of average signings?’ And everybody says, ‘Paul Pogba’s not playing well again’.”
It is true that United are a long way behind the top tier of the Premier League, but it shows Pogba’s arrogant attitude that he fails to spot that he is part of the problem. He not the only one, either, with United facing a big rebuild.
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Burley argues that Liverpool and City have caused United a problem this summer, but in reality, it’s a problem that comes about from their poor recruitment of players like Pogba, who have not only failed to produce on the pitch, but have also distanced themselves from any blame or responsibility.
Contrast that with the likes of Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum, brought in from lesser sides for smaller fees, but with a point to prove and a genuine feeling of being privileged to play for the club, and that’s where the Reds have excelled.
To an extent, the Reds have caused United a problem this summer – but United only have themselves to blame.