Graeme Souness highlights 'worst thing' that happened to Paul Pogba at Man Utd

Graeme Souness believes winning the World Cup was 'the worst thing' that could have happened for Paul Pogba's long-term development in his latest criticism of the former Manchester United midfielder. Pogba was a key part of France's 2018 World Cup winning squad, regularly starting alongside N'Golo Kante in central midfield and scoring in the 4-2 final win over Croatia. But his form for the national side came in the middle of a difficult spell at United and he was often criticised for his performances in a red shirt.

Souness was among the most vocal critics of Pogba during that underwhelming six-year spell at Old Trafford, labelling him 'selfish' and a 'schoolboy' at different points. And the former Liverpool man has now explained why he was so harsh on the French international.

"He had the equipment to be the best midfielder in the world," Souness told talkSPORT. "I saw a young man that was going through emotions a lot of the time, and that frustrated me.

"With that physique and that technical ability, he just did not have the right attitude to make him a superstar. The worst thing that happened to him was winning a World Cup, because he could turn and say, 'I am a World Cup winner'. I think at that point, it was him going backwards."

Pogba divided opinion among United supporters, often chipping in with goals and showing moments of brilliance without ever coming close to fulfilling his £89million price-tag. He eventually played out his contract and left on a free transfer in 2022, even reportedly claiming a multi-million pound loyalty bonus.

Pogba returned to Juventus in the summer of 2022 but ongoing injury issues kept him from playing any football for the first-half of the 2022-23 campaign. He eventually made his debut in February but continued to struggle and made just six appearances. The 30-year-old had registered two appearances this season but was suspended in September after failing a doping test. He could face a lengthy ban if found guilty.