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Paul Pogba has spent more time walking on the pitch this season than any other Premier League midfielder.
Manchester United’s No 6 has come in for criticism recently from fans and pundits alike for what is perceived to be a lack of effort.
And one stat appears to give credence to those arguments that Pogba isn’t pulling his weight.
The Frenchman’s time spent walking on the pitch is 64 percent, a measurement that puts him first out of 79 players.
United have lost five out of their last six matches and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are in a slump.
Pogba has often been looked at as the scapegoat and his form tailed off after a renaissance when Solskjaer took the interim managerial position.
Despite the negativity surrounding the 26-year-old, he made the PFA Team of the Year and there are some stats to weaken the argument that he is not putting in the hard yards.
Pogba is 16th out of 79 in terms of total distance covered by a midfielder and 34th out of 79 in sprints per game.
Former United midfielder Roy Keane is one of the more vocal critics of Pogba and said he is a ‘big problem’ for the club.
“The guy is a talented boy, but we’re saying the same thing over and over again. The number of times we’ve seen him in games where he is not sprinting or running back,” he told Sky Sports.
“He’s talking about body language – but throws his hands up in the air. He’s a big problem for United.
“Graeme (Souness) spoke earlier about needing good senior players at your football club. He’s a senior player, played in big competitions and won big trophies. I don’t think he leads by example, from what I see.”
Pogba has repeatedly been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer and could yet depart Old Trafford.
Further compounding those want away talks is that fact that the 26-year-old refuses to sort out a visa for Manchester United’s pre-season tour to Asia, and has reportedly cancelled talks of a new contract at Old Trafford
Agent Mino Raiola has reportedly told the club his client will not be signing a new deal – giving Real Madrid confidence they can lure the 26-year-old to the Bernabeu.
And, if the latest reports are to be true, Pogba’s move to Los Blancos could be almost a done deal.
The Sun claim Pogba has not filled out vital documentation, which would allow the World Cup winner to attend the Red Devils’ pre-season tour to the Far East in July.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men will take on Inter Milan in Singapore on July 20, before locking horns with Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai, China five days later.
The Norwegian has already conceded he cannot guarantee the Frenchman will stay at Old Trafford beyond this season.
Former United striker Alan Brazil believes Pogba should be sold in the summer after the all the trouble he has reportedly caused.
Speaking on Friday’s Sports Breakfast, the Scot said: “I’m sick of this. I pick up the papers and we get it again – Pogba and Lukaku.
“Now, I’m trying my hardest and with United’s woes I don’t want to keep picking on two players, but we’re getting it again and again and again!” – Dailymail/Talksport.
Online Reporter