Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville believes Paul Pogba has learned from his mistakes last season and the Red Devils will need him at his best when he returns from injury.
Manchester United paid a then world record fee to snare Pogba away from Juventus two summers ago and despite winning two trophies in his first season at Old Trafford, his critics remained unconvinced about him.
The Frenchman made a flying start to the current campaign and had two goals and two assists to his name before he suffered a hamstring injury against FC Basel in the Champions League.
The midfielder is not expected to return to action until November, but Neville feels Pogba did show enough at the start of the season to suggest that he learned his lessons from last year.
He believes the 24-year-old did show maturity and responsibility this year and Manchester United will need him at his best when he returns as he provides a certain spark to their football.
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Neville said on the Premier League TV’s Premier League Today programme: “What Paul Pogba has learned this season that he didn’t last season that the Premier League is tough and it’s not going to be easy.
“Last season I saw someone that was trying things in areas that he shouldn’t have done and trying too hard.
“I think he lacked responsibility, lacked a little bit of discipline, thought ‘I am the £90m man, I can do anything I want’.
“I think this season I have seen a man with little more determination, a little bit more discipline and he is now having the effect on games.
“It’s disappointing that he has got a bad injury, but United will need him to come back fitter and stronger as he gives them that presence and unpredictability.
“I wouldn’t want to play against this lad.”
Manchester United are hopeful Pogba will return to action ahead of the tough winter months when the fixtures will come thick and fast.
