Jump directly to the content
POGGY BAGGED

Manchester United ace Paul Pogba is ‘not special’… but former boss David Moyes reckons his signing Marouane Fellaini is ‘vital’

Fiery Scot does not think Pogba is in the same league as Old Trafford legends Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs

PAUL POGBA has come under fire from David Moyes - who claims Marouane Fellaini is 'vital' to Manchester United.

The fiery Scot does not think Pogba is in the same league as Old Trafford legends Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs.

 David Moyes reckons Marouane Fellaini is everything a modern player should be
8
David Moyes reckons Marouane Fellaini is everything a modern player should beCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Paul Pogba with one more major trophy than Moyes has won as a manager
8
Paul Pogba with one more major trophy than Moyes has won as a managerCredit: Getty

But Moyes believes much-maligned Fellaini - who he shelled out £27.5million to sign from former club Everton - is the epitome of the 'modern day footballer'.


NOT PICKED YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?


The ex-United boss doesn't reckon Pogba is a big-game player and has questioned whether he will inspire Jose Mourinho's men to more silverware.

Moyes told ESPN: “I think he's a top player. I don't know if he's a player who completely makes a difference for Manchester United.

"I think that over the years Manchester United have had players like Cantona, even Ryan Giggs, people who are special players.

"I don't know if Pogba's that. I think he's a good player, I think he'll add to Manchester United, but will he make the difference?

"Is he someone who will score the goal at really important stages in games or make the key pass? I'm not sure about that.

 Moyes does not believe that Pogba is a 'special' player like Eric Cantona
8
Moyes does not believe that Pogba is a 'special' player like Eric CantonaCredit: Hulton Archive - Getty
 Moyes lasted just ten months in charge at Old Trafford
8
Moyes lasted just ten months in charge at Old TraffordCredit: Action Images - Reuters

"But I do think that the machine that Manchester United are now, the size, the players they've got, you know they've got a massive stature to their team, I think Pogba adds to that.

"And I do think he's a good player, but I'm not quite sure if he'll make the difference in key games."

Moyes admits that he did not see Fellaini an automatic starter when he brought him to Old Trafford in 2013.

But Moyes, who failed at Sunderland and is now out of work, still sees the giant Belgian as indispensable to Mourinho.

He added: "If you look at the games that he played under Louis van Gaal and now under Jose Mourinho, he's vital.

"Bringing Marouane Fellaini was part of what I hoped he would come to United and play in different games.

 Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona are held in high regard by Moyes
8
Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona are held in high regard by MoyesCredit: PA:Press Association
 But Pogba has been criticised for not performing in big games
8
But Pogba has been criticised for not performing in big gamesCredit: Rex Features

"He was never someone who was going to play in all the games at United.

"He was someone that was there, his size is a problem to the opposition, it's also something which helps you, Manchester United you've seen many times now have used him a more advanced role.

"I used to get criticism at Everton because we played him there, he's got brilliant chest control, taking it down with his chest.

 Moyes was sacked at Sunderland last season and is currently without a job
8
Moyes was sacked at Sunderland last season and is currently without a jobCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"He's as good as anyone in the world actually and he's a good footballer, but he was never somebody who was going to come and play every single game.

"He's a modern day footballer, he covers a lot of ground, he's a decent passer without being a great passer, he can get you some goals.

"He helps you out in both boxes with his stature and he was something which we didn't have at Manchester United and he was a player who was brought in to add to the squad."

 Moyes signed Fellaini for £27m from his old club Everton in 2013
8
Moyes signed Fellaini for £27m from his old club Everton in 2013Credit: Rex Features

⚽ EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Premier League Top Goalscorer ⚽

FANCY Rom to run riot at the Red Devils?

Or Jesus to save your season at Man City?

Well get on Sun Bets' special offer for the Premier League top goalscorer then.

If you bet £25 on any player to top the table at the end of the season, we'll give a £5 free bet every-time they score in the competition.

What's not to love?

BET £25 ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE TOP SCORER AND GET A FREE £5 BET EVERYTIME THEY SCORE

Have you signed up to play fantasy football yet?

If the answer is no you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

Because the Dream Team game – the UK’s biggest fantasy football game – is back and better than ever this season.

You’ve got a £50m budget to pick 11 players, with all the biggest new signings ready and raring to go ahead of a mouthwatering new Premier League campaign.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to play now!

Topics